M.Prabhu, S/O. Maruthan, v. The Revenue Divisional Officer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 22.05.2019
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.S.SUNDAR W.P(MD)No.12257 of 2019 M.Prabhu ... Petitioner vs 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District.
2.The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mines, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Aranthangi Police Station, Pudukkottai District.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus by directing the respondents to release petitioner's Bullock cart. For Petitioner : M/s.D.Saranya For Respondents : Mrs.S.Srimathy Special Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to release petitioner's Bullock cart. 2.According to the petitioner, the vehicle in question has not been used for any illegal transportation. But the third respondent has seized the same without assigning any reason. 3.The learned Counsel for the petitioner states that the petitioner's vehicle was not involved in any previous incident of sand theft or illegal transportation of sand. In case, the submission of the learned Counsel for the petitioner turns out to be false, the fine imposed shall be 25% in addition to the amount that has now been directed by this Court for release of bullock cart.
4.The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the bullock cart in question was involved in illegal transportation of sand and hence it was seized.
5.This Court is not convinced with the statement of the learned Counsel for the petitioner that the bullock cart belonging to the petitioner is not involved in any illegal transportation or illegal mining. Having regard to the fact that the loss that may be caused to the petitioner if the vehicle is allowed to be kept idle is irreparable, this Court is inclined to issue the following directions:
(a) The petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand only) in cash before the first respondent;
(b)The petitioner has to file an affidavit of undertaking that he will cause production of the bullock cart in question before the competent/concerned respondent (as the case may be) as and when called for and further, he will not alienate the bullock cart in question till the appropriate proceedings initiated are completed; (c) On compliance of the above conditions, the first respondent is directed to release the seized bullock cart to the petitioner (if he is in custody and possession), within three days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order;
(d)This order for the release of the vehicle can be pressed into service by the petitioner only if the bullock cart is not in the custody of the criminal Court. If the bullock cart is in the custody of concerned Criminal Court of appropriate jurisdiction, then, option is given to the petitioner to approach the concerned Judicial Magistrate to get release of the bullock cart, by filing necessary application in the manner known to law and in accordance with law; and (e) it is open to the respondents to initiate appropriate proceedings against the petitioner and others for the alleged violation or irregularity, which prompted the officials to confiscate the bullock cart. Depending upon the final order that may be passed by the respondents, the petitioner is also at liberty to seek refund of any excess amount paid pursuant to this order." 5.Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
Sd/- Vacation officer/ Assistant Registrar // True Copy // Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) vsg/sts
To 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District.
2.The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mines, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Aranthangi Police Station, Pudukkottai District.
+1CC TO MR.D.SARANYA, Advocate Sr. No.66228 +1CC TO THE SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER SR.No. 66277 W.P(MD)No.12257 of 2019 AL(CO) TR (27.05.2019) 3P 6C