(1.) HEARD both sides and perused the records.
(2.) THESE four writ petitions were filed by the original petitioner seeking to challenge the order made by the learned Sessions Judge, Salem, dated 23.09.1994 in Criminal Appeal Nos.102 to 105 of 1993, confirming the order of the third respondent Deputy Conservator of Forest, Salem Division made in C.V.Nos.21 to 24 of 1993, confiscating the sandalwoods in possession of the petitioner. THESE writ petitions were admitted on 19.10.1995.
(3.) IT must be stated that criminal cases were registered against the petitioner and the same were tried before the court of Special Magistrate for Sandalwood Cases, Salem in C.C.Nos.70 to 73 of 199