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At this time, a very important and big legal decision has come out from the corridors of justice system and law of the country, which sets a new example regarding police action and administrative boundaries of neighboring states. Jharkhand High Court, while making a very important comment regarding Bihar’s much talked about and strict Liquor Prohibition Act, has made it clear that this law of Bihar Government cannot be implemented within the geographical boundaries of Jharkhand or other neighboring states under any circumstances. The court gave this decision during the hearing of a case in which Bihar Police had seized a vehicle from Jharkhand on suspicion of violating the prohibition law by going beyond its limits or under other legal procedures. After this decision, there has been a stir in the administrative and police departments and this matter has become the main topic of discussion among legal experts. Through this article, we will know in detail what is this decision of Jharkhand High Court, what is its legal meaning and what instructions have been given by the court in this matter related to vehicle seizure.
What was the whole matter and the dispute of vehicle seizure in Jharkhand High Court?
This entire legal dispute started when the administration and police took action under the strict prohibition law applicable in Bihar and took a vehicle into their custody. The vehicle owner and his lawyers had approached the Jharkhand High Court challenging the seizure. Appearing for the petitioner, the lawyers told the court that the vehicle which was seized by the Bihar Police on charges of liquor smuggling or violation is registered within the limits of the state of Jharkhand and even if the violation of rules is allegedly committed in some other state, the police or administrative machinery of the other state cannot take such arbitrary action in violation of local sovereignty and territorial boundaries. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the judge of Jharkhand High Court listened to the arguments of both the parties very closely and drew a clear legal line on the limits of administrative rights.
Court’s blunt comment: “Bihar’s prohibition law is not applicable on the borders of other states”
During the hearing, Jharkhand High Court made it clear in very strong words that the law made by the Legislative Assembly of any state can be effective only within the geographical boundaries of that state. The court said that the liquor prohibition law of the Bihar government can be implemented strictly within the borders of Bihar, but it does not mean at all that the Bihar police or administration should come to the border of the neighboring state of Jharkhand or take arbitrary action against the vehicles and citizens registered there on the basis of that law. According to judicial principles, two states have their own defined scope of law and order and police action, and the police of either state has no legal right to interfere in the jurisdiction of the other state. This decision of the High Court has made it clear that administrative actions that violate territorial jurisdiction cannot stand in the eyes of the court.
Instructions to release the seized vehicle immediately and big relief to the vehicle owner
Jharkhand High Court, while giving its verdict after completing the hearing of this case, has given strict instructions to the concerned authorities to immediately hand over the seized vehicle to its rightful owner without any unnecessary delay. This order of the court has brought great relief to the vehicle owner, who was making rounds of law offices and courts for a long time to get his vehicle released. In such cases, the vehicle owner often has to make rounds of police stations and excise departments for months, due to which the vehicle turns into junk and the owner has to suffer huge financial losses. This prompt and just order of the High Court has sent a message that if any illegal or extra-jurisdictional action is taken by the administration, the judiciary always stands like a rock to protect the rights of the citizens.
Impact on inter-state police coordination and future administrative functioning
This historic decision of Jharkhand High Court has become an important legal precedent for other states of the country in the coming times. When the police of two neighboring states conduct joint operations against liquor smugglers or other criminals in the border areas, such disputes over jurisdiction often arise. After this decision, the police and excise departments will now learn to completely follow the legal limits and interstate rules while taking any action, so that common citizens or vehicle owners do not have to face unnecessary trouble. Legal experts believe that this decision is not only important in terms of administrative relations between Jharkhand and Bihar, but it also strengthens the federal structure of the country and the independent rights of the states.