GST search powers: Sealing cannot retain seized material after search, and prohibition orders cover confiscable goods only.
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....GST search powers require seized documents, books and things to remain with the proper or authorised officer only while necessary for examination, inquiry or proceedings; returning custody while retaining seizure is inconsistent with that scheme. Material still required may be taken into fresh custody through a fresh seizure order linked to the original seizure. A prohibition order may apply only to goods liable to confiscation where physical seizure is impracticable, not to office equipment, files, documents, books or things that are not confiscable goods; the prohibition order was quashed. Sealing premises is permissible only during an ongoing search when access is denied, not after search completion to store seized material; de-sealing and restoration of possession were directed.....
TaxTMI