C MAHENDIRAN Vs. REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICER NAGAPATTINAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WITH the consent of the learned counsel appearing on either side, the Writ Petition itself is taken up for final disposal.

(2.) THE prayer in the Writ Petition is for issuance of a writ of certiorari to quash the order passed by the respondent dated 1.12.2005. THE petitioner is a holder of the contract carriage omni bus permit issued by the State Transport Authority, Pondicherry. On 18.6.2005, the vehicle was impounded at Porayar by the Motor Vehicle Inspector, Mayiladuthurai, alleging that the vehicle has been used regularly for transporting patients to Vinayaga Mission Hospital. Since the vehicle was seized, the petitioner approached this Court by filing W.P.No.20224 of 2005 and this Court by an order dated 22.6.2005, directed the respondent to release the vehicle, with a condition that the vehicle should be produced before the respondent as and when required.

(3.) THE learned counsel relied on the decision of this Court in W.P.No.14447 of 1999 dated 17.9.1999, which was confirmed by the Honourable Division Bench in W.A.No.2503 of 1999 dated 27.6.2000, the decision of this Court in W.P.No.20025 of 2000 dated 7.4.2003 and the decision in W.P.No. 1241 of 2001 dated 10.10.2006, in support of his contentions.