A.Meenakshi Sundaram, v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.05.2018

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.GOVINDARAJ W.P.(MD)No.10758 of 2018 and WMP(MD)No.9856 of 2018 A.Meenakshi Sundaram : Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Ramanad District, Ramanad.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramnad District.

3.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Ramnad.

4.The Sub Inspector of Police, Sikkal Police Station, Ramnad District.

: Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent herein to pass appropriate orders to release the Tipper Lorry of the petitioner bearing Registration Number TN69 BB 5584. For Petitioner : Ms.Porkodi Karnan For Respondents : Mr.M.Jeyakumar, Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

The petitioner seeks for a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to release his vehicle, namely, Tipper Lorry bearing Registration Number TN69 BB 5584., seized on 16.04.2018 by the fourth respondent.

2. According to the petitioner, even though he had plied the aforesaid vehicle with all relevant documents, the fourth respondent has seized the vehicle.

3. On the other hand, it is submitted by the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents that the vehicle was seized as the same was used for illegal quarrying.

4. In any event, as the vehicle is under the custody of the respondents having been seized on 16.04.2018 and considering the fact that if the same is allowed to be kept idle by exposing the same to sun and rain, it would certainly diminish its value. Therefore, pending proceedings before the respondents, this Court is of the view that the vehicle can be released by imposing certain conditions on the petitioner for release of the aforesaid vehicle.

5. Accordingly, the second respondent is directed to release the vehicle in question to the petitioner within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order subject to the following conditions:

"(i) The petitioner shall produce documents before the second respondent under whose custody the vehicle is kept, to establish the ownership of the vehicle in question;

(ii) The petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty thousand only) before the second respondent herein;

(iii)The petitioner shall give an undertaking that he will not use the vehicle for any illegal activities in future and shall produce the same as and when required by the respondents;

(iv) On doing so, the vehicle in question shall be returned to the petitioner;

(v) The petitioner shall not alienate the vehicle in question till the disposal of the proceedings before the authority concerned;

(vi) The respondents are directed to complete the enquiry within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order; and (vii)The petitioner is also directed to participate in the enquiry to be conducted by the respondents."

6. The writ petition is ordered accordingly. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. No costs. Sd/- Vacation Officer /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar To 1.The District Collector, Ramanad District, Ramanad.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramnad District.

3.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Ramnad.

4.The Sub Inspector of Police, Sikkal Police Station, Ramnad District.

+1cc to M/S.Polax Legal Solution, Advocate SR.No. 65214 +1cc to Special Government Pleader, SR.No. 65258 ORDER MADE IN W.P.(MD)No.10758 of 2018 09.05.2018 dsk/cm JM/KKR/SAR 1/14.05.2018/3P/7C