Anticipatory bail refused in Customs Act case involving suspected vehicle tampering and illicit import, pending full investigation.

Anticipatory bail was refused in a Customs Act prosecution alleging tampering of engine and chassis numbers and illicit import of a vehicle, as the Court found that a complete investigation into the importation and suspected tampering was still required. The Court held that the case did not disclose any special features justifying exercise of the extraordinary discretion under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The petitioner was left to surrender before the investigating officer or the jurisdictional Magistrate and seek regular bail in the ordinary course.

---

---

Issues: Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner in a Customs Act prosecution involving alleged tampering of engine and chassis numbers and alleged illicit import of a vehicle.

Analysis: The petitioner was required to face a complete investigation into the circumstances of importation of the vehicle and the suspected tampering. The Court found that the case disclosed no features warranting the exercise of the extraordinary equitable discretion under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The petitioner was left to surrender before the investigating officer or the jurisdictional Magistrate and seek regular bail in the ordinary course.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was refused.

---