MADHU GARG vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court held that the detention order under Section 3(1) of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA Act) was invalid as it relied primarily on a self-inculpatory statement that was retracted and deemed involuntary. The Court emphasized that such statements cannot be the sole basis for detention, especially when there are indications of torture. The appeal against the High Court's dismissal of the writ petitions was allowed, leading to the quashing of the detention order.