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Retention of seized property survives where recorded reasons support proceeds of crime, while stayed investigation periods are excluded from limitatio...
Specified income of Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Development Authority receives conditional tax exemption, retrospectively covering its designated assess...
Specified development authority income receives retrospective tax exemption, subject to non-commercial activity, unchanged income sources, and return-...
Unified Brand India framework introduces voluntary Trust Mark certification and funding support for export branding, packaging and global promotional ...
The case pertains to the prohibition on import and confiscation of seven drawings by renowned artists under Customs Notification No. 1/1964, deeming them obscene. The court held that the ability to communicate ideas through art is a legitimate human endeavour and cannot be controlled based on acceptability to authorities. Vesting obscenity determination powers in customs authorities risks arbitrary state behaviour imperilling fundamental freedoms. The impugned order ignored relevant considerations like expert opinions, artistic value, contemporary standards, and legal precedents, relying instead on individualized morality standards, personal prejudices, and frivolous grounds. Relegating the petitioner to departmental appeals risked destruction of the valuable artworks. The impugned order was set aside, and the petition was allowed, upholding artistic expression and freedom of speech.
The case pertains to the prohibition on import and confiscation of seven drawings by renowned artists under Customs Notification No. 1/1964, deeming them obscene. The court held that the ability to communicate ideas through art is a legitimate human endeavour and cannot be controlled based on acceptability to authorities. Vesting obscenity determination powers in customs authorities risks arbitrary state behaviour imperilling fundamental freedoms. The impugned order ignored relevant considerations like expert opinions, artistic value, contemporary standards, and legal precedents, relying instead on individualized morality standards, personal prejudices, and frivolous grounds. Relegating the petitioner to departmental appeals risked destruction of the valuable artworks. The impugned order was set aside, and the petition was allowed, upholding artistic expression and freedom of speech.
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