P.Jyothi v. The Divisional Forest Officer, Achampet, Mahaboobnagar District

THE HON'BLE Ms. JUSTICE G.ROHINI WRIT PETITION NO: 24156 of 2006 O R D E R: This writ petition is filed aggrieved by the action of the first respondent in not releasing the jeep of the petitioner bearing No. AP 21 W 4075. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 and 2. Admittedly the vehicle in question was involved in a forest offence and was seized by the second respondent. Learned Government Pleader under instructions stated that Crime No.24 of 2006 was registered under Section 51(1) of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and Section 30 of Arms Act, 1959 read with Section 109 IPC and the seized vehicle along with other records were produced before the first respondent for further action. Having regard to the fact that the vehicle in question is seized in connection with a forest offence and the enquiry as provided under statute is pending before the first respondent and particularly since the petitioner, who claims to be the owner of the vehicle in question has already made an application dated 05-10-2006 before the first respondent seeking interim custody of the vehicle , without expressing any opinion on merits, I deem it appropriate to dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the first respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 05-10-2006 and to pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. Dated: 22-11-2006 Note: Issue C.C. by tomorrow. B/o KLP ______________ G. ROHINI, J