Magistrate Lacks Authority to Order DRI Revaluation of Seized Goods at Preliminary Stage: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court has placed limitations on the power of magistrates to order premature revaluation of goods seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in smuggling cases. The court ruled that magistrates should refrain from ordering such revaluation during the initial stages of investigation, thereby protecting the investigative agency's discretion and strategic approach in handling complex smuggling cases that often require specialized valuation expertise and timing.