SAROJ KUMAR SINGH Vs. STATE OF ORISSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN these two revision petitions under Sections 397 and 401 read with Section 482 of the Code of Criminal (Procedure, the Petitioners have prayed to set aside the order dated 9 -4 -99 passed by the learned S.D. J.M., Sundargarh in G.R. Case No. 96 of 1999 rejecting their applications under Section 457, Cr. P.C. for release of the seized vehicles bearing registration numbers OR -16 -9333 and OSS 5659 and to direct release of the said vehicles in their favor. Both these two cases were heard together and are disposed of by this common judgment.

(2.) LEARNED Counsel for the Petitioners and the learned Addl. Standing Counsel for the State were heard at length.

(3.) LEARNED Counsel for the Petitioners contended that the Petitioners were in no way connected with the crime alleged in this case and at best the offence alleged would be under Section 379, I.P.C. and that there is no chance of confiscation of the seized vehicles and that the vehicles are kept in open space subject to vagaries of nature and are being damaged. On the above grounds he urged for release of the seized vehicles in the Zima of the Petitioners who are the registered owners thereof.