BAIJU Vs. SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE issues involved in these writ petitions are rather similar. THE case of the petitioners is that, inspite of the relevant enabling provisions by virtue of Rule 60(A) (1) of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1967, the petitioners are not permitted to compound the offences under the relevant provision of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1967.

(2.) THE learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondent submits that Ext.P2 application (in both writ petitions) preferred by the petitioners is pending consideration. This Court finds that the matter can be disposed of without adjudicating the merits at the hands of this Court, by directing the respondent, who is the competent authority to file complaint under the relevant W.P.(C)Nos.10447 & 10451 of 2012 -2- provisions of the Act/Rules, to have the matter considered for compounding the offence as well, particularly by virtue of the statutory prescription under Rule 60(A) (1) of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1967.

(3.) BOTH the writ petitions are disposed of.