IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI WEDNESDAY, THE 26TH NOVEMBER 2008 / 5TH AGRAHAYANA 1930 WP(C).No. 33411 of 2008(C) -------------------------- PETITIONER: --------------- JOBIN JOSEPH, S/O.JOSEPH, AGED 26 YEARS, THEKKEL HOUSE, THANKAMANI P.O. UDUMBANCHOLA TALUK, IDUKKI DISTRICT. BY ADV. SRI.M.P.MOHAMMED ASLAM RESPONDENTS: --------------- 1. DEPUTY RANGER, FOREST STATION, KANCHIYAR, IDUKKI DISTRICT. 2. DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER, KOTTAYAM. BY SPL. GOVT. PLEADER SHRI.RENJITH THAMPAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 26/11/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI,J. ------------------------- W.P ( C) No.33411 of 2008 -------------------------- Dated this the 26th November, 2008 J U D G M E N T Petitioner claims to be the de facto owner in possession and control of Jeap No.KLN 7880. The vehicle was taken into custody by the 1st respondent on the allegation that it was involved in the transportation of rosewood timber. The vehicle has now been produced before the 2nd respondent for confiscation proceedings under Section 61A of the Act. Petitioner seeks a direction to respondents to release the vehicle on interim custody. 2. I heard learned counsel for the petitioner Sri.M.P.M. Aslam and learned Special Government Pleader Sri.Renjith Thampan. 3. Mr.Thampan submits that the confiscation proceedings shall be completed, as early as possible. To release the vehicle on interim custody pending confiscation proceedings may not be proper. I am of the view that the Divisional Forest Officer shall see see that W.P ( C) No.33411 of 2008 2 the confiscation proceedings are completed, at the earliest. In the result, the writ petition is disposed of directing the 2nd respondent to complete the confiscation proceedings arising from OR 24/2008 of Ayyappanckovil Forest Range, as early as possible, at any rate, within four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. (V.GIRI,JUDGE) ma W.P ( C) No.33411 of 2008 3 W.P ( C) No.33411 of 2008 4