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Section 457 — Procedure by Police upon seizure of property
457
457
Procedure by Police upon seizure of property
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Chapter XXXIV Disposal of Property
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Police ProcedureSeized PropertyCourt ProcedureProperty Rights
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 457 of the CrPC explains what happens to property seized by the police. The Magistrate decides what to do with the property. This is when the property isn't needed in court.
Why does this law exist? This law ensures that seized property is handled properly. It helps return property to its rightful owner. It also prevents misuse of seized items.
Real-life impact If the police seize your phone, and it's not needed in court, the Magistrate can order it returned to you. If the owner is unknown, the Magistrate will try to find them.
What happens if you break this law? This section doesn't define a crime. It describes the procedure for handling seized property. The police follow this procedure. There is no specific punishment here.
💡 Real Life Example

The police seize Amit's bike during an investigation. If the bike isn't needed in court, the Magistrate can order it returned to Amit. The Magistrate will decide what to do with the bike.

The police seize a bag of cash. If the owner is unknown, the Magistrate will issue a notice. The notice asks the owner to claim the money within six months. If no one claims it, the court decides.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Know your rights if the police seize your property.
  • •Ask the police for a receipt of seized property.
  • •Contact the Magistrate to claim your property.
  • •Provide proof of ownership.
  • •Seek legal advice if needed.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 457 of the CrPC explains the procedure for handling property seized by the police. The Magistrate decides what to do with the property if it's not needed in court. The Magistrate can return the property to the owner. If the owner is unknown, the Magistrate will try to find them. This ensures that seized property is handled properly.
This section itself doesn't have a punishment. It describes the procedure for handling seized property. The police follow this procedure. There is no specific punishment associated with this section. It focuses on the process of dealing with seized items.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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