Periyakaruppan v. The District Revenue Officer,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.09.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE Ms.JUSTICE P.T.ASHA Periyakaruppan ... Petitioner -vs1.The District Revenue Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
2.The Inspector of Police, Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
... Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the first respondent to release the petitioner's vehicle Maruthi Omni EXL/DX bearing Registration No.TN 37 Y 3793 seized by the second respondent police by considering petitioner's representation dated 26.07.2025 within the time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner :
Mr.K.C.Maniyarasu For Respondents :
Mr.D.Sasikumar Additional Government Pleader (for R1) Mr.S.Prakash Government Advocate (Crl.side) (for R2)
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking a for mandamus directing the first respondent to release the petitioner's vehicle Maruthi Omni EXL/DX bearing Registration No.TN 37 Y 3793 seized by the second respondent police by considering petitioner's representation dated 26.07.2025.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr.D.Sasikumar, learned Additional Government Pleader, who takes notice on behalf of the first respondent and Mr.S.Prakash, learned Government Advocate (Crl.side), who takes notice on behalf of the second respondent. By consent, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. It is the case of the petitioner that he is the owner of Maruthi Omni EXL/DX vehicle bearing Registration No.TN 37 Y 3793 and the said vehicle was seized by the respondent police alleging that it was used for carrying PDC Rice in violation of statutory provisions. Based on the said allegation, an FIR was registered in Crime No.35 of 2025 for the offence under Section 6(4) of Tamil nadu Scheduled Commodities (RDCS) Order 1982 read with Section 7(1)(a)(ii)
of Essential Commodities Act, 1955. It is the contention of the petitioner that his vehicle was not involved in any illegal transportation of PDS rice and further, contended that seizure is unwarranted and is causing undue hardship to him. That apart, the vehicle is being kept in the open under the custody of the respondent police, exposed to sun and rain and if the vehicle continues to remain exposed, it may become lose its utility and value. Hence, he has sent a representation to the respondents on 26.07.2025 seeking return of his vehicle. However, no action has been taken on the said representation so far. Hence, this writ petition.
4. The learned Additional Government Pleader, on instructions, would submit that the representation of the petitioner would be considered and order would be passed within three weeks.
5. In view of the above submission, the first respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated 26.07.2025 and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 15.09.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Rmk To 1.The District Revenue Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
2.The Inspector of Police, Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
P.T.ASHA, J.
Rmk 15.09.2025