SANTHOSH Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner before this Court is calling in question the registration of crime in Crime No.89 of 2023 for offences punishable under Sec. 98 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963.

(2.) Heard Sri P.P. Hegde, learned Senior counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned High Court Government Pleader for respondent-State.

(3.) On 18/4/2023, the transport carriage by one B.V.C. Logistic Company was intercepted. It was said that they were transporting gold and silver ornaments to be delivered to Bhima Jewellers and R.B. Jewellers in a particular vehicle. This was seized by the Static Surveillance Team which was in force at that point in time, during the conduct of elections to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Karnataka. Based upon the interception, it was found that no satisfactory reply was given by the petitioner or the driver of the vehicle who was carrying the said goods. The matter was referred to the Department of Commercial Taxes on the apprehension that there could be violation of Sales Tax by the carrier of goods. The Department of Commercial Tax, in terms of proceedings dtd. 21/4/2023, directs release of the goods on acceptance of penalty. The goods are also indicated in the order of release dtd. 21/4/2023.