Section 25: Condemnation proceedings.

(1) Where, in any proceedings for the condemnation of anything seized as liable to forfeiture under this Act, judgment is given for the claimant, the court before which the case is heard may, if it sees fit, certify that there were reasonable grounds for the seizure.
(2) Where any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, are brought against the Board or any person authorised by or under this Act to seize or detain anything liable to forfeiture on account of the seizure or detention or anything, and judgment is given for the plaintiff or prosecutor, then if-
(a) a certificate relative to the seizure has been granted under subsection (1) of this section; or
(b) the court is satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for seizing or detaining that thing under the excise laws,
the plaintiff or prosecutor shall not be entitled to recover any damages or costs and the defendant shall not be liable to any punishment:
Provided that nothing in this subsection or in the next succeeding section shall affect the right of any person to the return of the thing seized or detained or to compensation in respect of any damage to the thing or in respect of the destruction thereof.
(3) Any certificate under subsection (1) of this section may be proved by the production of either the original certificate or a certified copy thereof purporting to be signed by any officer of the court by which it was granted.