Madras High CourtWP(MD)/10352/2020allowed

Jeyamurugan v. The District Collector

2020-08-28Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan3 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 28.08.2020

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Jeyamurugan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Collectorate Buildings, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

2.The Assistant Director of Mines and Minerals, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

3.The Tahsildar, Kamuthi, Ramanathapuram District.

4.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District.

5.The Inspector of Police, Kamuthi Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the fifth respondent to release the petitioner's unregistered JCB Machine having with the Chassis No is NKJ770EXVKKH03306 and Engine No is 8045.45.731-257187 and entrust the same to the petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Babu Jaganath For Respondents : Mr.M.Rajarajan Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

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 petition mentioned vehicle was seized by the respondents.

3. The learned Additional Government Pleader states that 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. I am of the view that so long as the vehicle has not been produced before the Jurisdictional Court, 1/3

the Writ Court will always have the power to direct for the release of the vehicle.

4. The petitioner's counsel undertakes that the vehicle will be produced before the authority or the Court concerned as and when required. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner states that the vehicle will not be alienated.

5. The submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner is placed on record. If the undertaking given before this Court is breached, the benefit of this order will stand recalled and the vehicle in question will be taken back to custody and it will be released only after getting orders from this Court on such terms as this Court may deem it fit to impose.

6. I am of the view that keeping the petition mentioned vehicle in the custody of the respondents is not going to serve any purpose. 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.

7. It is seen from the records that the vehicle in question was not involved in any transportation of mineral. The petitioner appears to have involved himself in some dispute with the neighbours. Hence, I refrain from imposing any cost. Therefore, the respondents are directed to return the vehicle subject to the following conditions:- a) The petitioner shall not alienate or encumber the vehicle in question till the proceedings are completed. b) The petitioner shall produce all the documents pertaining to the ownership of the seized vehicle.

c) As and when the respondents call for the vehicle for enquiry, the petitioner has to produce the vehicle in question and he shall cooperate with the enquiry to be conducted by the respondents.

8. Upon completion of these formalities, the respondents shall release the vehicle forthwith and without any delay. If this undertaking given by the petitioner is breached, the petitioner will not be entitled to interim release of the vehicle in future. The 2/3

Writ Petition is allowed accordingly. There shall be no order as to costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar (CS-II) // True Copy // / /2020 Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) Tsg 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: