WP(C) 569/2011 BEFORE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE B.P. KATAKEY Heard Mr. Adhikary, learned counsel for the petitioner as well as Ms VL Singh, learned State counsel appearing for the respondents. The petitioner, by the present petition, has prayed for a direction to t he respondents to finalise the confiscation proceeding initiated in respect of t he elephant, which according to the petitioner belongs to her. It is the content ion of the petitioner that the elephant belonging to her was seized by the fores t officials on 8.7.2010 and though she prayed for releasing the said elephant in her zimma by producing the necessary documents relating to her ownership, nothi ng has been done in that regard till date. It is also the contention of the peti tioner that a confiscation proceeding has also been initiated on 11.8.2010 but t he said proceeding has been kept pending without finalizing despite expiry of ab out eight months. The learned counsel for the petitioner, therefore, submits that while is suing a direction to the respondent authorities to finalise the said confiscatio n proceeding, the interim zimma of the said elephant be directed to be given to the petitioner so that the elephant can be maintained properly. Ms VL Singh, learned State counsel appearing for respondents on the othe r hand has submitted that the petitioner has not been given the zimma of the ele phant as the authority is not satisfied about the ownership. The learned State c ounsel further submits that the confiscation proceeding having been initiated on 11.8.2010 the same shall definitely be finalized as early as possible. It is evident from the materials made available on record that the eleph ant was seized from the custody of the petitioner on 8.7.2010. The petitioner, t hereafter, upon receipt of the notice appeared before the forest official and fi led the proof of ownership of the elephant. The affidavit-in-opposition filed by the respondent reveals that the for est official is in doubt relating to the claim of the petitioner. It also appear s that vide order dated 11.8.2010 a confiscation proceeding has been initiated a nd the same has not been finalized till date. The animal, which was seized on 8. 7.2010 is still in the custody of the forest official. No other party has come f orward to claim the zimma of the elephant in question. The authority having init iated the confiscation proceeding cannot keep the matter pending for an indefini te period of time. Having regard to the aforesaid facts and situation the respondent author ities are directed to finalise the confiscation proceeding within three months f rom the date of receipt of the certified copy of this order to be produced by th e petitioner before the said authority. The forest official shall also give the interim zimma of the elephant to the petitioner on execution of a bond of Rs. 1, 00,000/-(Rupees one lakh) with a further undertaking that the elephant shall not be used for any purpose, which is not legal. The petitioner shall in the event of confiscation of the said elephant produce the same before the authorised offi cer and shall not sell the said elephant or hand over the possession of the said elephant to anybody else. The writ petition is disposed of. No cost.