CHANKARAN Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner, claiming that he is the owner of a Maruthi Car bearing Registration No.TN.23Y-9099, preferred a petition in C.C No.127 of 2007 on the file of Judicial Magistrate No.I, Erode. THE offence was registered under Secs.4(2)(c) and 8(b) of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 against three accused on the allegation that they have solicited the witnesses for prostitution.

(2.) PENDING proceedings, the accused admitted the offence and therefore, they were convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of Rs.750/-each. Under such circumstances, the petitioner, claiming that he is not an accused in the case and also claiming to be the owner of the car, preferred a petition for return of the car and while refusing to entertain such petition, the learned Magistrate directed the State to initiate proceedings to confiscate the vehicle. An appeal has been preferred and the same has been dismissed and under such circumstances, the present criminal revision has been filed.

(3.) I have perused the materials available on record and heard the submissions made.