Counsel presence during customs interrogation permitted at visible distance, while the petitioner must continue cooperating with the investigation.

Under Section 108 of the Customs Act, the Court permitted the petitioner's counsel to remain present during interrogation at a visible distance but beyond audibility, relying on its earlier similar orders. The petitioner was required to appear whenever called and cooperate with the customs investigation, so the protection granted was limited to counsel's presence without interfering in questioning.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner's counsel could be present during interrogation under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962, at a visible distance but beyond audibility.

Analysis: The Court allowed the request in view of its earlier similar orders and directed that the petitioner's counsel be permitted to remain present during interrogation within visible distance, though beyond hearing distance. The petitioner was also required to appear before the customs authorities when called and to cooperate with the investigation.

Conclusion: The request was allowed and the petitioner obtained the limited protection of counsel's presence during interrogation, subject to continued participation in the investigation.

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