IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANTONY DOMINIC MONDAY, THE 1ST MARCH 2010 / 10TH PHALGUNA 1931 WP(C).No. 6447 of 2010(E) ------------------------- PETITIONER(S): ------------------ REJIMON, S/O.JOSEPH BANAM, PARAPPA VILLAGE, P.O.PARAPPA, KASARAGOD DISTRICT. BY ADV. SMT.T.SUDHAMANI RESPONDENT(S): -------------------- 1. THE STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY, EXCISE DEPARTMENT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. THE ASSISTANT EXCISE COMMISSIONER KASARGOD, KASARGOD DISTRICT. SR.GOVT.PLEADER SMT.K.R.DEEPA THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01/03/2010, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ANTONY DOMINIC, J. ================ W.P.(C) NO. 6447 OF 2010 (E) ===================== Dated this the 1st day of March, 2010 J U D G M E N T Petitioner submits that he is the registered owner of an autorickshaw bearing Regn.No.KL-14E-8648. It is stated that on 5/11/2009, the vehicle was detained by the police officials on seizure of 22 bottles of Indian made Foreign Liquor. Petitioner submits that since then proceedings have been initiated against the said vehicle under the provisions of the Abkari Act. It is stated that pending finalisation of such proceedings, petitioner sought interim custody of the vehicle, expressing willingness to furnish security thereof. Despite all this, it is complained that there has not been any progress in the matter and therefore, the writ petition is filed. 2. If as stated by the petitioner, he is the registered owner and has approached the 2nd respondent requesting for release of the vehicle on interim custody, expressing willingness to provide sufficient security, there is no reason why the said request shall not be considered. Therefore, I dispose of this writ petition directing the 2nd WPC No.6447/10 :2 : respondent to get the value of the vehicle assessed by a competent officer, and if the petitioner is willing to furnish adequate security for the value thereof, shall pass orders on Ext.P2. This shall be done, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate within 4 weeks of production of a copy of this judgment. ANTONY DOMINIC, JUDGE Rp