Jewellery Seizure Invalidated: Tax Authorities Ordered to Immediately Release Improperly Detained Assets Without Conditions

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....HC held that respondents must release seized jewellery immediately, as retention lacks legal authority. The seizure was deemed unauthorized since no outstanding tax liability existed for the relevant assessment year. The court found respondents' contention to retain jewellery for recovering tax dues from subsequent years untenable, particularly given statutory amendments to Section 132B effective 01.04.2022. Consequently, the HC directed unconditional release of the jewellery to the petitioner, emphasizing the respondents acted without jurisdiction in prolonged retention beyond the specified assessment period.....