G.APPADURAI Vs. INSPECTOR OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is a driver of Private Transport Company. On 15.05.2019, while he was driving the bus bearing Registration No.PY 01 CP 5844, a road accident occurred, in which, a person at the spot sustained simple injuries. The petitioner arranged for 108 ambulance and sent the victim for treatment. An FIR was registered against the petitioner in Crime No.330 of 2019. The first respondent has seized the licence and according to the petitioner, it was handed over to the second respondent. Therefore, he made a representation to the second respondent/Licensing Authority -cum- Regional Transport Officer, Madurai South, Madurai, to return the licence on 04.09.2019. However, it is not returned by the second respondent. Aggrieved over the same, the petitioner is before this Court.

(2.) Heard both sides.

(3.) It is well settled that when an offence takes place using a motor vehicle, the power is under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to issue notice and suspend or revoke the licence. But, during the interregnum period, under Section 206 , the police authorities can seize the licence and a temporary acknowledgement will be issued by the police authorities.