Saving of power to release property seized

Nothing in this Act, shall be deemed to prevent the Competent Authority from directing at any time the immediate release of any property seized under section 16 and the withdrawal of any charge made in respect of such property in accordance with provisions of section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973: Provided that where a report has been made to the Magistrate of the property seized under section 16, the Competent Authority shall not release the property without the consent in writing of such Magistrate if a case is pending before him, and in other cases without previous intimation to him.