IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI FRIDAY, THE 14TH AUGUST 2009 / 23RD SRAVANA 1931 WP(C).No. 22893 of 2009(F) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- NOUFAL, S/O.MUHAMMED K.P., KOORIMANNIL, POOVATHIKKAL VEEDU, P.O.ANAKKAYAM, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. BY ADV. SRI.DEVIDAS.U.K RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, MALAPPURAM. 2. THE TAHSILDAR, ERANAD TALUK, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT. BY GP SRI.P.NARAYANAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 14/08/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).22893/2009 -------------------- Dated this the 14th day of August, 2009 JUDGMENT Petitioner is the registered owner of a 1996 Model Mahindra Jeep bearing registration No.KL-10/E-7652. The vehicle was seized by the 2nd respondent for the alleged illicit transportation of river sand. District Collector has passed final order as per Ext.P2 holding that the vehicle was liable for confiscation and requiring the petitioner to pay an amount of Rs.40,000/- towards the River Management Fund. This has been challenged in the writ petition. 2. Petitioner is now in possession of the vehicle, same having been released on interim custody on payment of an amount of Rs.25,000/-. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the vehicle in question was a 1996 Model vehicle. Therefore, the value has been fixed at the higher side. It is also pointed out that only two bags of sand were seized. W.P.(C).22893/2009 2 Findings in Ext.P2 that the vehicle was indulging in illicit transportation of river sand only requires to be affirmed. Admittedly, there was no pass accompanying the vehicle when it was intercepted. 4. The value of the vehicle has been fixed at an amount of Rs.40,000/-. This is reasonable. In these circumstances, I do not find any grounds to interfere with the same as well. But further proceedings pursuant to Ext.P2 shall be kept in abeyance for a period of two months from today and if the petitioner pays the balance amount of Rs.15,000/- within two months from today, then it shall be treated as due compliance with Ext.P1. Writ petition is disposed of as above. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs