T GOPAL Vs. FOREST RANGE OFFICER, DHARMAPURI RANGE; DISTRICT FOREST OFFICER AND AUTHORISED OFFICER, DHARMAPURI DIVISION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is aggrieved by the order of confiscation of his vehicle which was confirmed in appeal.

(2.) The vehicle belonging to the petitioner was seized for offence under Sections 21(d) and (f), 35 and 36 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1982 for transporting 5 teak wood and 94 rosewood. The Forest Range Officer arrested one Ranganathan alleged to have travelled in the said van and the driver escaped from the van.

(3.) On 27.12.1993, confiscation proceedings were initiated and on 25.03.1994, the second respondent issued a show cause notice to the petitioner. The petitioner appeared before the second respondent and gave a statement that the vehicle was entrusted to his driver to collect freight charges and he has no knowledge about the transport of teak wood and rose wood. However, the first respondent proceeded to confiscate the van by proceedings dated 08.02.1995. The petitioner filed an appeal against the order of confiscation and the appeal was dismissed and therefore, this writ petition.