MP Excise Act | Can Vehicle Be Confiscated By Collector U/S 47(A) During Pendency Of Criminal Trial: MP High Court Refers Issue To Larger Bench

The High Court referred a matter regarding vehicle confiscation under the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act to a larger bench, citing conflicting judgments. Justice Vinay Saraf highlighted uncertainty about Section 47(A), questioning the District Collector's authority to confiscate vehicles during pending criminal trials. He raised additional queries about applicability of State of M.P. v. Madhukar Rao (2008) and writ petition viability. \r

Noting the Collector's power to proceed concurrently with criminal cases, the court dismissed Mahindra's appeal. With conflicting views from similar benches, the matter was referred to the Chief Justice for a larger bench, aiming for a conclusive precedent. Meanwhile, interim relief granted the release of the vehicle under supurdginama.