Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
Section 63—Confiscation and auction of vehicle (dumper)—Right to be heard—Court cannot order confiscation of an article until the expiry of one month from the date of seizure or without hearing any person who may claim any right thereto—Appellant is the registered owner of the dumper—Appellant has a right to be heard by the court before the final order of confiscation is passed and seized vehicle is put on auction—Neither the appellant was arrested at the time of order of confiscation of the dumper nor opportunity was given to him to submit before the trial court as to why the confiscation order may not be passed—Impugned order set aside to the extent it orders confiscation and auction of the dumper.
[Paras 13 to 15]