2017 (7) TMI 1423 - SCH - Customs

Presence of advocate during interrogation - whether the petitioner should be allowed to have the company of his lawyer during interrogation by the customs officials under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962, for which summons have been issued to him? - HELD THAT - It is not necessary to discuss the facts or nuances of this case. Suffice is to state that having regard to the age of the petitioner and other attendant circumstances, in the peculiar facts of this case, it is opined that the petitioner should be allowed the company of his Advocate - At the same time, it is made clear that the petitioner's advocate would be permitted to sit at a visible distance, but beyond audibility. SLP disposed off.

Summary

The Supreme Court allowed the petitioner to have the company of his lawyer during interrogation by customs officials under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962. The lawyer can sit at a visible distance but beyond audibility.