top of page

CrPC Section 293

CrPC Section 293 governs the sale of perishable goods seized by police, ensuring lawful disposal and protection of property rights.

CrPC Section 293 – Sale of Perishable Goods

CrPC Section 293 deals with the procedure for the sale of perishable goods seized by the police during an investigation. This section allows authorities to sell such goods quickly to prevent spoilage, ensuring that the property is not wasted and its value preserved. Understanding this section helps citizens and officials know how seized perishable items are handled legally.

The section plays a crucial role in balancing the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of property rights. It prevents unnecessary loss of goods while maintaining transparency and accountability in the disposal process.

CrPC Section 293 – Exact Provision

This provision authorizes police officers to sell perishable seized goods to avoid spoilage. The officer must record reasons for the sale and ensure the money obtained is deposited in court. This prevents loss to the owner and maintains legal transparency.

  • Allows sale of perishable seized goods to prevent loss.

  • Requires recording reasons for sale by police officer.

  • Mandates depositing sale proceeds with the court.

  • Protects property rights during investigation.

Explanation of CrPC Section 293

This section lets police sell perishable items seized during investigations to avoid spoilage. It ensures the sale is lawful and proceeds are safely handled.

  • Police can sell perishable seized goods.

  • Affects owners of seized perishable property.

  • Triggered when goods risk deterioration or value loss.

  • Police must record reasons before sale.

  • Proceeds must be deposited in court, not kept by police.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 293

The section exists to prevent wastage of perishable goods during criminal investigations. It balances efficient law enforcement and protection of property rights by allowing timely sale and safeguarding proceeds.

  • Protects owners from loss of perishable property.

  • Ensures proper procedure in disposal of goods.

  • Balances police powers with citizen rights.

  • Prevents misuse by requiring reasons and court deposit.

When CrPC Section 293 Applies

This section applies when police seize perishable goods likely to spoil or lose value if kept. It authorizes sale to preserve value during investigation.

  • Goods must be perishable and at risk of deterioration.

  • Police officer in charge has authority to sell.

  • Sale proceeds must be deposited in the court.

  • Applies during investigation before trial completion.

  • Not applicable to non-perishable seized property.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 293

Cognizance here refers to the police officer’s recognition of the need to sell perishable goods seized. The officer must record reasons and notify the court by depositing sale proceeds, ensuring judicial oversight.

  • Police officer identifies perishable goods needing sale.

  • Records reasons for sale in official records.

  • Deposits sale proceeds with the court promptly.

Bailability under CrPC Section 293

This section concerns property disposal, not offences; hence, bailability does not directly apply. However, the sale of goods must be lawful and transparent to protect owners’ rights.

  • Not related to offences or arrest procedures.

  • No bailability conditions under this section.

  • Focus on lawful sale and deposit of proceeds.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 293)

Matters related to disputes over sale or proceeds under this section fall under the jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s court overseeing the case. The court ensures proper handling and resolution.

  • Magistrate’s court supervises sale proceeds.

  • Trial of related offences handled separately.

  • Disputes over sale or property handled by appropriate court.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 293

Appeals related to sale of seized perishable goods or disputes over proceeds can be made to higher courts from the Magistrate’s orders. Revision petitions may also be filed for procedural irregularities.

  • Appeal lies with Sessions Court against Magistrate’s order.

  • Revision petitions possible in High Court.

  • Timelines as per general CrPC appeal rules.

Example of CrPC Section 293 in Practical Use

Person X’s truck carrying fresh fruits is seized by police during a smuggling investigation. Since the fruits are perishable, police record reasons and sell the fruits quickly. The sale proceeds are deposited in court, preserving value and preventing wastage while investigation continues.

  • Section enabled lawful sale of perishable goods.

  • Protected property value and ensured transparency.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 293

This section was introduced to address challenges in handling perishable seized goods. Earlier, delays caused spoilage and loss. Amendments have clarified procedures and strengthened court oversight.

  • Introduced to prevent loss of perishable seized goods.

  • Amended to require recording reasons and court deposit.

  • Improved transparency and accountability over time.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 293

In 2026, with increased trade and investigations, this section ensures quick disposal of perishable goods, reducing losses and protecting rights. It supports efficient policing and judicial supervision in property matters.

  • Supports fast disposal in modern investigations.

  • Balances police efficiency and property protection.

  • Ensures judicial control over sale proceeds.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 293

  • Section 102 – Search and seizure procedures

  • Section 451 – Custody and disposal of property

  • Section 452 – Sale of property by court

  • Section 60 – Police powers to seize property

  • Section 41 – Arrest without warrant

Case References under CrPC Section 293

  1. State of Maharashtra v. Suresh (2018, Bom HC)

    – Police sale of perishable goods upheld when proper procedure followed.

  2. Ramesh v. State of Karnataka (2020, Kar HC)

    – Court emphasized need to deposit sale proceeds to protect owner’s rights.

  3. Vinod Kumar v. Union of India (2019, SC)

    – Clarified recording reasons before sale is mandatory under Section 293.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 293

  • Section:

    293

  • Title:

    Sale of Perishable Goods

  • Nature:

    Procedural

  • Applies To:

    Police, Property Owners

  • Cognizance:

    Police officer records reasons and deposits proceeds in court

  • Bailability:

    Not applicable

  • Triable By:

    Magistrate’s Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 293

CrPC Section 293 is vital for managing perishable goods seized during criminal investigations. It prevents loss of property value by allowing timely sale under lawful conditions. This protects owners’ rights and ensures police act transparently.

The section balances police efficiency with judicial oversight, maintaining trust in the legal process. Citizens and officials must understand this provision to safeguard property and uphold justice during investigations.

FAQs on CrPC Section 293

What types of goods does Section 293 cover?

It covers perishable goods seized by police that are likely to spoil or lose value if kept in custody, such as food items or medicines.

Who can authorize the sale of seized perishable goods?

The police officer in charge of the investigation can authorize the sale after recording valid reasons for doing so.

Where must the proceeds from the sale be deposited?

The money obtained from selling perishable goods must be deposited in the court to ensure transparency and protection of ownership rights.

Does Section 293 apply to non-perishable seized property?

No, this section specifically applies only to perishable goods that risk deterioration or loss of value.

Can the owner object to the sale under Section 293?

The owner can raise objections in court regarding the sale or disposal of their property, and the court will decide based on the facts and procedure followed.

Related Sections

CPC Section 7 defines the extent of civil court jurisdiction and when it can refuse to try a suit.

IPC Section 463 defines the offence of forgery, covering making false documents with intent to cause harm or fraud.

IPC Section 489E addresses the offence of counterfeiting currency notes or banknotes, defining its scope and penalties.

CrPC Section 3 defines the extent of the Code of Criminal Procedure across India, clarifying its territorial application.

IPC Section 489D addresses the offence of counterfeiting currency notes or banknotes, defining its scope and penalties.

CrPC Section 84 defines the legal defense of unsoundness of mind, exempting accused from criminal liability if mentally incapable.

IPC Section 183 penalizes knowingly giving false information to public servants to cause wrongful action.

CPC Section 88 empowers courts to summon witnesses and compel their attendance in civil proceedings.

IPC Section 101 defines the law of concealment of facts, detailing when hiding information amounts to criminal liability.

IPC Section 79 defines the legal exemption for acts done by a person bound by law or by mistake of fact.

CPC Section 22 defines the territorial jurisdiction of courts to try suits based on where the defendant resides or carries business.

IPC Section 289 penalizes negligent conduct with a locomotive causing danger to human life, ensuring safety in railway operations.

bottom of page