GAJANAN VISHESHWAR BIRJUR versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

GAJANAN VISHESHWAR BIRJUR versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

Confiscation orders are invalid for failing to specify which books or portions thereof violated which clause of Notification No.77; such orders affect fundamental rights to occupation and freedom of expression and are vitiated by absence of specification in both show cause notices and final orders.

Parties
Petitioner: Gajanan Visheshwar Birjur; Respondents: Union of India and Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
12 July 1994
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) / Final Judgment
Outcome
Petition allowed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Speech and Expression, Confiscation of Imported Goods, Restriction on Trade, Notification No.77 of 1956, Section 111(d) Customs Act 1962

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Parties

Gajanan Visheshwar Birjur

Petitioner

Union of India and Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Validity of confiscation orders for imported books under Notification No.77 dated 22nd September, 1956
  2. 2 Requirement of specification of offending material under Notification No.77
  3. 3 Violation of fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g)

Ratio Decidendi

Confiscation orders are invalid for failing to specify which books or portions thereof violated which clause of Notification No.77; such orders affect fundamental rights to occupation and freedom of expression and are vitiated by absence of specification in both show cause notices and final orders.

Court Disposition

Petition allowed

Orders

  • Impugned confiscation orders quashed
  • All seized books to be returned to petitioner forthwith