Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Punjab & Haryana HC: Seized Vehicles Must Be Released Soon After Evidence Recording
The Punjab and Haryana High Court said that vehicles seized in serious criminal cases should be returned to their owners quickly after the police record good photos and videos of them.
This is because keeping them in police stations for years doesn't help and can cause damage.
The vehicles can be identified from the recorded evidence.
The owners can get their vehicles back if they follow some rules, and this won't affect the trial.
Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled against keeping seized vehicles in police stations for extended periods
Vehicles should be returned to owners soon after detailed photographs and videos are recorded
Court allowed the release of a tractor and SUV seized in a 2023 murder case
Vehicles must be released following specific guidelines, including a forensic examination if needed
The interim release will not affect the trial, and digital evidence will be admissible in court
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mahender (vehicle owner), Mukesh Kumar (power of attorney holder)
- What
- Ruled against keeping seized vehicles in police stations for extended periods
- When
- Monday, unspecified date
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Why
- To prevent vehicles from losing value and becoming difficult to identify later
- Case
- 2023 murder case in Sirsa, Haryana
- Vehicles
- Tractor and Tata Harrier SUV
- Owner
- Sirsa resident Mahender
- Power of Attorney Holder
- Mukesh Kumar
- Court's Decision
- Vehicles to be released following specific guidelines