G.Nandhakumar, v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 06.06.2019

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.SUBBIAH and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN W.P.No.15402 of 2019 G.Nandhakumar S/o. Ganapathi .. Petitioner ..vs..

1. The Revenue Divisonal Officer, Nagapattinam. Nagapattinam District.

2. The Tahsildar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam District.

3. The Village Administration Oficer, Aluthur Village, Nagapattinam District.

.. Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to release the petitioner's Tractor bearing Registration No.TN-51-AA-0033, which is in the custody of the 2nd respondent.

For Petitioner :

Mr.W. Gamyles Gandhi For Respondents :

Mr.K.S.Suresh Government Advocate *****

O R D E R

[Order of the Court was made by R.SUBBIAH, J] The petitioner has filed the above Writ Petition praying for issuance of a

Writ of Mandamus,directing the 1st respondent to release the petitioner's Tractor bearing Registration No.TN-51-AA-0033, which is in the custody of the 2nd respondent.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.

3. According to the petitioner, the respondents have seized the vehicle in question on 28.09.2018 on the ground of illegal carrying of river sand and till date, no order for release of the said vehicle had been passed by the respondents. Hence, he has come forward with the present Writ Petition.

4. On the other hand, it is submitted by the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents that the vehicle in question was used for illegal transportation of mines and minerals like river sand and there was no valid permit and hence, the vehicle was seized. He further submitted that the petitioner has no previous case.

5. In any event, as the vehicle is under the custody of the fourth respondent from the date of seizure and considering the fact that if the same is allowed to be kept idle by exposing the same to rain and shine, it would certainly diminish their value, this Court is of the view that the vehicle in

question may be released by imposing conditions on the petitioner.

6. Accordingly, the respondents are directed to release the vehicle in question to the petitioner within a period of 7 days from the date of compliance of the below mentioned condition Nos.(i) to (iii): (i) The petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) before the jurisdictional Tahsildar concerned as nonrefundable deposit. After receipt of the above said amount, the same will have to be deposited by the jurisdictional Tahsildar concerned, to the credit of the District Mines and Minerals Foundation Trust as non-refundable deposit.

(ii) The petitioner shall execute a personal bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand only) with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate. (iii)The petitioner shall give an undertaking before the respondents/authority concerned stating that he will not use the vehicle in question for any illegal activities in future and shall produce the same as and when required by the respondents and also the trial Court, failing which the respondents/trial Court is/are at liberty to confiscate the vehicle.

R.SUBBIAH, J and C.SARAVANAN, J gm (iv) The petitioner shall not alienate the vehicle in question till the disposal of the proceedings before the authority concerned. (v)The petitioner is also directed to participate in the enquiry to be conducted by the respondents.

With the above observations and directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed. [R.P.S., J] [C.S.N., J] 06.06.2019 Note to office: Issue order copy within a week Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes gm To

1. The Revenue Divisonal Officer, Nagapattinam. Nagapattinam District.

2. The Tahsildar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam District.

3. The Village Administration Oficer, Aluthur Village, Nagapattinam District.

W.P.No.15402 of 2019