In Brief
A Forest Officer seized a tractor and trolley allegedly carrying sand illegally excavated from a National Sanctuary without permission. The respondent sought interim release of the vehicle under CrPC Section 451 before a Magistrate, who rejected it. The High Court allowed a Section 482 petition and directed the vehicle's release. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that once confiscation proceedings are initiated under the Indian Forest Act 1927 (as amended by MP Act 25 of 1983), the bar of jurisdiction under Section 52-C excludes the Magistrate's power under Section 451 and the High Court's inherent jurisdiction. Confiscation and criminal prosecution are distinct, parallel proceedings. The confiscation procedure exists independently as a deterrent and cannot be sidestepped through CrPC provisions.
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