Muthu v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 18.01.2021
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Muthu ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Karur District, Karur.
2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur Division, Karur.
3.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mines Department, Karur District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Vangal Police Station, Karur District.
... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the fourth respondent to release the bullock cart seized by the fourth respondent on 02.01.2021.
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Gokulraj For Respondents : Mr.M.Rajarajan Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
Heard the learned counsel on either side. By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
2.The petitioner claims to be the owner of the petition mentioned vehicle. It was seized in connection with the petition mentioned crime number. The petitioner's counsel states that till date, the vehicle in question has not been produced before the jurisdictional court.
3.It has been held time and again that keeping the vehicle in the custody of the respondents is not going to serve any purpose. On the other hand, it will contribute to loss of value. Even though the criminal case has been registered, the vehicle in question is yet to be produced before the jurisdictional Court. The case is still under investigation. Therefore, the Writ Court will 1/4
always have the power to direct release of vehicle. 4.The learned counsel for the petitioner states that the vehicle has not been involved in any previous case of the same nature. He also submitted that the petitioner is also not having any previous case.
5.The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the decision reported in (2002) 10 SCC 283 (Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai and Others V. State of Gujarat) has held as follows:- "17.In our view, whatever be the situation, it is of no use to keep such seized vehicles at the police stations for a long period. It is for the Magistrate to pass appropriate orders immediately by taking appropriate bond and guarantee as well as security for return of the said vehicles, if required at any point of time. This can be done pending hearing of applications for return of such vehicles.
6.Recording the submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, on instructions, I direct release of the petition mentioned vehicle. The respondents shall release the petition mentioned vehicle forthwith without any delay. 7.The Writ Petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. Sd/- Assistant Registrar (CS III) // True Copy // / /2021 Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) rmi Note :In view of the present lock down owing to COVID-19 pandemic, a web copy of the order may be utilized for official purposes, but, ensuring that the copy of the order that is presented is the correct copy, shall be the responsibility of the advocate/litigant concerned.
To 1.The District Collector, Karur District, Karur.
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2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur Division, Karur.
3.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mines Department, Karur District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Vangal Police Station, Karur District.
+1 CC to M/s.GP ( SR-1148[F] dated 19/01/2021 ) +1 CC to M/s.S.GOKUL RAJ, Advocate ( SR-1256[F] dated 19/01/2021 ) KVN(CO) KK(27.01.2021) 3P 7C 3/4