(1) Where, in any proceedings for the condemnation of anything seized as liable to forfeiture under any customs enactment, judgment is given for the claimant, the court may, if it sees fit, certify that there were reasonable grounds for the seizure.
(2) Where any proceedings are brought against the Government or the Comptroller on account of the seizure or detention of anything as liable to forfeiture, and judgment is given for the plaintiff or prosecutor, then if either—
(a) a certificate relating to the seizure has been granted under subsection (1); or
(b) the court is satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for seizing or detaining that thing,
the plaintiff or prosecutor shall not be entitled to recover any damages or costs.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not affect any right of any person for 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 of it.
(4) Any certificate under subsection (1) may be proved by the production of either the original certificate or a certified copy of it, purporting to be signed by an officer of the court by which it was granted.