MATHAI MICHAEL PUTHUPARAMBIL HOUSE Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revision under Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure is filed challenging a decision rendered in an appeal under Section 61D of the Kerala Forest Act, 1961, 'the Act', for short, confirming a confiscation proceedings of a vehicle which was allegedly utilised to commit forest offence in relation to illegal removal of rosewood logs.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the revision petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader for the Department of Forest.

(3.) During patrol duty in the night, Kanjar Police intercepted two jeeps, one bearing registration No.KL-6C-2273 and the other KRT 1694. This revision is by the owner of the vehicle bearing registration No.KL-6C-2273. The petitioner's son was the driver of the vehicle at the relevant point of time. On interception, the vehicle bearing registration No.KRT 1694 was found to be loaded with timber. The materials emanating from the files, including the statements of the persons who were apprehended by the Police, go to show that the persons who were driving both the vehicles were familiar to each other and were closely related. The driver of the vehicle KL-6C-2273, which is the petitioner's vehicle, as already noted, was his son.