c - function returning a pointer to automatic variable -

so working "standard" library more decade of history brain image i/o. encountered function:

   nifti_image* nifti_image_read( const char *hname , int read_data ){     nifti_image* nim; ...  <<<some io operations>>>  ...  return nim; } 

my question is, how come function returning local pointer automatic variable? isn't practice prohibited since nim pointer goes out of scope , supposed deleted after completion of function?

i have read this question couldn't answer:

this function returning value stored in pointer , ok. pointer value address of object allocated dynamically , not deleted @ end, if c++. possible issue case pointer points local variable, not allocated dynamically. though pointer goes out of scope, caller receives return value gets copy of address of valid object.