Madras High CourtWP(MD)/14708/2025disposed of

Sarath v. The District Revenue Officer

2025-06-03Honourable Mr Justice C. Saravanan4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 03.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN Sarath ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Revenue Officer, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2. The Inspector of Police, Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department, Tirunelveli ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus to direct the first respondent to release the car bearing Registration No. KL-22-C-5064 seized by the second respondent on 18.05.2025 to the petitioner.

For petitioner : Mr. T.Leninkumar For respondents : Mr.C.Satheesh 1/4

Government Advocate for R1 Mr.K.Sanjai Gandhi Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R2 *****

ORDER

The petitioner has approached this Court for a Mandamus to direct the first respondent to release the petitioner's car bearing registration No.KL-22-C-5064 seized by the second respondent on 18.05.2025.

2. It appears that the petitioner's car bearing registration No.KL-22-C-5064 was involved in illegal transportation of PDS rice about 120 kgs and another vahicle, namely, Mahindra Scorpio bearing registration No. KL-07-AW-9390 was also intercepted for carrying on 1260 kgs of PDS rice. The vehicle of the petitioner was driven by one Thadaues Vinsty, who has been arrayed as A3 as per FIR in Crime No.75 of 2025 dated 18.05.2025 under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 read with Tamil Nadu Scheduled Commodities (RDCS) Order, 1982.

3. Since the confiscation proceedings are preliminary order, contemplated 2/4

orders have to be passed by the first respondent. The vehicle that has been seized is appears to be of the year 2011. Hence, no useful purpose will be served while the vehicle is allowed to remain in the custody of the first respondent as it will cause to faster depreciation, on account of the non-use.

4. Considering the same, the first respondent is directed to value the vehicle and release the same by collecting 50% of the cost of the vehicle subject to maximum amount of Rs.1,50,000/- from the petitioner.

5. This Writ Petition is disposed of with above directions. No costs. Index : Yes / No 03.06.2025 Internet : Yes / No apd To

1. The District Revenue Officer, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2. The Inspector of Police, Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department, Tirunelveli.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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