LAWS(KER)-2007-3-151

P SURESH KUMAR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

Decided On March 13, 2007
P.SURESH KUMAR, S/O.PEETHAMBARAN Appellant
V/S
STATE OF KERALA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is the 1st accused in a prosecution under Sec.55(a) of the Abkari Act. A Maruthi Alto car belonging to him has been seized on the allegation that the same was used for illicit transportation of spirit. The seizure was effected as early as on 3/11/06. It continues in the custody of the officials. The seizure has been reported to the learned Magistrate. An application was filed under Sec.451 of the Cr.P.C. for release of the vehicle to the custody of the petitioner. That petition was dismissed by the learned Magistrate by the impugned order. The impugned order suggests that pendency of the proceedings under Sec.67(B) of the Abklari Act is the only reason for the learned Magistrate dismissing the application. The petitioner has come to this Court with the grievance that no proceedings under Sec.67(B) of the Abkari Act has been initiated by now. In these circumstances, it is submitted that the rejection of the prayer for release of the vehicle under Sec.451 of the Cr.P.C. is not justified.

(2.) The learned Public Prosecutor was directed to take instructions. The learned Public Prosecutor submits that the State has no objection in the vehicle being released to the petitioner temporarily subject to imposition of such conditions as are referred to in Prasad v. Sub Inspector of Police (2000 (2) KLT 790). The interests of justice shall be secured if such release is made subject to appropriate orders, it is prayed. The learned Public Prosecutor is unable to satisfy this Court whether anything tangible has been done in the proceedings under Sec.67(B) of the Abkari Act so far.

(3.) Having considered all the relevant inputs, I am satisfied that this will be an eminently fit case where the vehicle can be directed to be released to the person entitled to possession there of subject to appropriate conditions. The apprehension aired by the learned Public Prosecutor can allay by imposing appropriate conditions.