The Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, provide for levy of penalty at the rate of Rs.20,000/-, per heavy goods vehicle. On payment of penalty, the vehicle can be released. However, if the vehicle was involved in similar crimes on earlier occasion, the facility would not be available.

WP 4668 / 2013

WPSR 24828 / 2013

PETITIONER RESPONDENT P.V. SESHUBABU, VISAKHAPATNAM   VS S.H.O., VSP DIST & 2 OT PET.ADV. : NAVEEN KUMAR RESP.ADV. : GP FOR MINES AND GEOLOGY SUBJECT: MINES, INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE (MISC.MATTERS) DISTRICT:  VISAKHAPATNAM

HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY

WRIT PETITION No.4668 of 2013

ORDER:

The petitioner claims to be the owner of Goods Vehicle bearing No. AP 31 X 7691.  It was seized by the 1^st respondent on 12-02-2013, on the ground that it was used in transporting sand without valid permit.  Crime No.47 of 2013 was registered.  The petitioner challenges the same.

2.  Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for the respondents.

3.  The only ground on which the vehicle was seized is that it was used in transporting sand without valid permit.   The Andhra PradeshMinor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, provide for levy of penalty at the rate of Rs.20,000/-, per heavy goods vehicle.  On payment of penalty, the vehicle can be released.  However, if the vehicle was involved in similar crimes on earlier occasion, the facility would not be available.

4.  Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, directing the 1^st respondent that, in case the vehicle in question was not involved in similar offences or acts on earlier occasion and was not levied any penalty, it shall be released on payment of Rs.20,000/- (twenty thousand).  In case, the vehicle was involved in similar offences or acts on earlier occasion, the respondents need not release the vehicle and it shall be open to them to take necessary steps in accordance with law.  For that purpose, the petitioner shall file an affidavit stating whether or not the vehicle was seized on earlier occasion, on the same allegations. 

5.  The miscellaneous petition filed in this writ petition shall also stand disposed of.  There shall be no order as to costs.

____________________

L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J   

February 15, 2013.

Note: Issue operative portion by

wire at party’s costs.

B/O.KTL