IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANTONY DOMINIC WEDNESDAY, THE 16TH JANUARY 2008 / 26TH POUSHA 1929 W.P(C).No. 1994 of 2008(K) -------------------------------- PETITIONER: -------------- SAJESH. U, S/O. VASU, AGED 22 YEARS, UKKANDATH HOUSE, PALLAPURAM DESOM, PONNANI P.O., MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. (AGREEMENT OWNER OF the VEHICLE KL 18-8147) BY ADV. SRI.SHOBY K.FRANCIS RESPONDENTS: ----------------- 1. DISTRICT COLLECTOR, COLLECTORATE, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. 2. TAHSILDAR, PONNANI TALUK, PONNANI, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. 3. SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE, CHANGARAMKULAM POLICE STATION, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. BY GOVT. PLEADER, SRI. I.V. PRAMOD THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 16/01/2008, ALONG WITH W.P.(C) NO. 2005/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ANTONY DOMINIC, J. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = W.P.(C) Nos. 1994 & 2005 OF 2008 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dated this the 16th January, 2008 J U D G M E N T Vehicles belonging to the petitioners in these cases were seized by the Revenue officials on the allegation that these vehicles are involved in the unauthorised transportation of river sand. It is stated that despite such seizure, so far final orders have not been passed and it is on that reason interim custody of the vehicles is sought for in these writ petitions. 2. Since the proceedings are pending before the District Collector, it is for that authority to exercise his powers under Rule 27 of the Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Rules, 2002 and pass orders as required under the rules. At this stage when the statutory authority is seized of the matter, I do not think it proper to direct the release of the vehicles. 3. Accordingly, I dispose of these writ petitions directing that the 1st respondent in these cases shall finalise the proceedings in W.P.(C) No. 1994 & 2005 OF 2008 -2- terms of Rule 27 of the Rules as expeditiously as possible, at any rate within 10 days of production of a copy of this judgment. Before final orders are passed the petitioners shall also be given notice. ANTONY DOMINIC JUDGE jan/-