Invalid e-way bill justified detention of goods, but release was allowed on furnishing a bank guarantee.

Detention of goods transported without a valid e-way bill was treated as justified because the movement was not covered by the required documentation. The court nevertheless permitted conditional release of the goods and vehicle on the petitioner furnishing a bank guarantee for the amount demanded in the detention order. The ruling reflects that absence of a valid e-way bill can sustain detention, while security may be accepted to secure release pending compliance.

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Issues: Whether detention of goods transported without a valid e-way bill was justified, and whether the goods and vehicle should be released on furnishing a bank guarantee for the amount demanded.

Analysis: The transportation was found to be uncovered by a valid e-way bill, and therefore the detention could not be treated as unjustified. At the same time, the petitioner expressed readiness to furnish a bank guarantee for the amount demanded.

Conclusion: The detention was upheld, but the petitioner was granted release of the goods and vehicle upon furnishing a bank guarantee for the amount demanded in the detention order.

Final Conclusion: The petition was disposed of with conditional relief permitting release of the goods and vehicle on security, while sustaining the validity of the detention.

Ratio Decidendi: In the absence of a valid e-way bill, detention of goods in transit is justified, though release may be ordered on furnishing adequate security.

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