M MUNIYANDI AND Vs. COLLECTOR THIRUVELLORE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this batch of writ petitions, the petitioners claiming as vehicle owners seek directions to the respondents to release their respective vehicles viz., lorries, tractor with trailor, tempo van, escort JCB-3D excavator loader etc. which are seized by the respective authorities (concerned respondents in the above writ petitions), for alleged contraventions of the provisions of sub-section (1) of the Section 4 of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') by exercising the power under Section 21(4) of the said Act.

(2.) When the writ petitions came up for admission, notice of motion was ordered and therefore after service of notice, the learned Advocate General appeared on behalf of the respondents.

(3.) Mr. M. Ravindran, the Learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners challenges the seizure of the vehicles on the following grounds :