Pradeep Kumar Mohakud v. State Of Odisha
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK
W.P.(C) No.5841 OF 2022 Pradeep Kumar Mohakud Petitioner Mr. J.K. Panda, Advocate -versusState of Odisha and others ....
Opp. Parties Mr. Swayambhu Mishra, Additional Standing Counsel
CORAM:
JUSTICE K.R. MOHAPATRA
ORDER
Order No.
13.07.2022 3.
1.
This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.
2.
On the oral prayer made by Mr. Panda, learned counsel for the Petitioner, he is permitted to implead the Authorised Officer-cum-Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar Forest Division, Keonjhar as Opposite Party No.3 to the writ petition. 3.
The Petitioner in this writ petition prays for a direction to the Authorized Officer-cum-Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar Forest Division, Keonjhar-Opposite Party No.3 for early disposal of confiscation proceeding in O.R. Case No.60P of 2020-2021 pending before him in respect of the vehicle bearing Registration No.OD-09-J-1239 (Tractor) and OR-09-J-1240 (Trolley).
4.
Taking into consideration the submission made by Mr. Panda, learned counsel for the Petitioner, this Court vide order dated 11th July, 2022 directed learned State Counsel to take instruction in the matter. Mr. Mishra, learned Additional Standing Counsel produces a copy of the order sheet of the aforesaid confiscation proceeding, which reveals that the same is
// 2 // pending. He, however, submits that the matter was placed before the Authorized Officer-cum-Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar Forest Division, Keonjhar only on 28th June, 2022 and thereafter, the Authorized Officer is taking diligent step for early disposal of the same.
5.
Taking into consideration the submission made by learned counsel for the parties, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case of the Petitioner in the confiscation proceeding, disposes of this writ petition with a direction that the Authorized Officer-cum-Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar Forest Division, Keonjhar-Opposite Party No.3 shall do well to proceed with the matter and make an endeavour for early disposal of confiscation proceeding in O.R. Case No.60P of 2020-2021 as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight months from the date of production of certified copy of this order, giving opportunity of hearing to the parties concerned, if there is no legal impediment. 6.
The Petitioner is also directed to cooperate with the Authorized Officer-cum-Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar Forest Division, Keonjhar-Opposite Party No.3 for early disposal of the confiscation proceeding.
7.
A copy of the order shall be handed over to Mr. Mishra, learned Additional Standing Counsel for communication and compliance.
Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application.
(K.R. Mohapatra) Judge ms