The HC dismissed a habeas corpus petition challenging detention...

The HC dismissed a habeas corpus petition challenging detention under COFEPOSA Act for gold smuggling from Myanmar. Despite being granted bail in the criminal case, the petitioner's preventive detention was upheld as legally distinct from punitive measures. The court relied on Ameena Begum (2024) which established parameters for judicial review of preventive detention orders. Following Saraswathi Seshagiri (1982), the court affirmed that past smuggling activities could indicate future conduct warranting preventive detention, particularly in international smuggling cases where standard prosecution might be impractical. The court rejected claims of delayed service, confirming the detention order was properly executed on March 11, 2024, and that all constitutional, statutory, and procedural safeguards were followed.

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