MONISH M.C. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by the petitioner-applicant to set aside the order dated 13.1.2020 passed by Authorized Officer and Deputy Conservator of Forest, Virajpet Division, Virajpet, in Crime No.66/2019 for the offences punishable under Sections 71(A) to (G) of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 (hereinafter called as 'the Act' for short).

(2.) I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned High Court Government Pleader for the respondents.

(3.) The gist of the case is that on 16.6.2019 at about 4.00 a.m. on credible information while the Forest Authorities were on patrolling duty came to know that some logs were being transported in a lorry and when they came near at about 5.30 a.m. the lorry was proceeding and there was also a Swaraj Mazda vehicle. When they stopped the lorry, the person who was traveling in Swaraj Mazda vehicle also came and identified and he produced certain documents by saying that said lorry belongs to him and he is transporting coffee and he produced a bill. They suspected and searched the lorry and found that jackfruit tree logs were being illegally transported in the said lorry. The Lorry, Swaraj Mazda vehicle, and other vehicles have also been seized. On the basis of the complaint, a case has been registered. Thereafter, the petitioner filed an application under Section 71(A) of the Act to release Swaraj Mazda vehicle bearing Registration No.KA.12-A-3322. The said application has been objected to and thereafter by the impugned order the said application came to be rejected.