Madras HC Orders Conditional Provisional Release of Copying Machines in which Bill of Lading raised before DGFT Restriction Notification

The Madras High Court ordered the provisional release of copying machines that had been seized on the grounds that they violated a restriction notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The court found that the Bill of Lading for the machines had been raised before the notification came into effect, making the seizure unjustified. However, the court imposed conditions for the provisional release, requiring the petitioner to furnish a bank guarantee. This judgment highlights the court's balanced approach, ensuring that businesses are not adversely affected by regulatory changes while also safeguarding the authorities' interests through conditional relief.