CHINNAIYA Vs. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MINES AND MINERALS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) (This writ petition is heard through Video Conference) This writ petition has been filed for a Mandamus seeking for a direction to the respondents to release the petitioner's Bullock Cart seized by the third respondent on 11.11.2020, to the petitioner.

(2.) Mr.M.Rajarajan, the learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the respondents. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

(3.) It is the case of the petitioner that he is having a bullock cart for the purpose of carrying goods for his agricultural activities. According to him, on 11.11.2020, the third respondent seized the bullock cart and registered a case in Crime No.1522 of 2020 under Section 379 of IPC r/w sections 21(1) and 21(2) of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, alleging that the petitioner has transported the sand illegally in his bullock cart. According to him, ever since the seizure, the said bullock cart is still in the custody of the third respondent and till date, no confiscation proceedings has been initiated against the seized bullock cart.