Customs authorities illegally retained seized gold jewelry beyond statutory limit, Court orders immediate release to owners.

Customs officials seized gold jewelry from petitioners on 23-02-2023. Section 110(2) of Customs Act, 1962 mandates issuing show cause notice u/s 124 within six months of seizure, failing which seized goods must be returned. Show cause notice was dispatched on 25-08-2023, beyond six-month period which lapsed on 22/23-08-2023. High Court held retention of seized jewelry by Customs officials illegal, violating Section 110(2). Writ petition allowed, directing respondents to forthwith release seized gold jewelry to petitioners. .....

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