GIRRAJ MEENA Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In view of the intertwined nature of the controversy involved, coupled with the identical factual matrix emerging in the present matters, and as the instant batch of petitions have been filed claiming identical reliefs; with consent of the learned Counsel representing various parties, the instant batch of petitions have been heard analogously and are being decided by this common judgment. It is made cautiously clear that the present judgment shall be applicable on mutatis mutandis basis on all the petitions connected herein, and for the sake of handiness with consent of learned Counsel appearing for various parties S.B. Crl. M.P. No. 419/2025 titled as Giriraj Meena Vs. The State of Rajasthan and Ors., is taken up as lead petition for factual references.

(2.) At the outset, this Court records its appreciation for the valuable assistance rendered by the learned Amicus Curiae. The Court acknowledges the painstaking efforts, research and submission made by the learned Amicus Curiae""Mr. Sandeep Pathak assisted by Ms. Jaya Pathak which have been of immense assistance in the just and proper adjudication of the present matter.

(3.) The primary issue assailing which the present petitions have been filed pertain to the seizure of vehicles on account of offences under various statues, inter alia, the Rajasthan Bovine Animals (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Exports) Act, 1995, Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. It has been noted that in the matters at hand, orders passed by various Revisional authorities are assailed for the reason that the said orders are passed sans taking note of the fact that the Hon'ble Supreme Court in a catena of judgment have jot down the guidelines qua release of seized vehicles as when such vehicles are kept in the backyards of the Police Stations, they bear no fruitful results to either of the parties and rather turn into scrap.