THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.9485 of 2009 ORDER: The petitioner is the owner of vehicle bearing No.AP 20 X 2082. The Forest Range Officer, Warangal, the 2nd respondent herein, seized the vehicle on 19.08.2008, on the ground that it was used to transport teak logs. Proceedings were initiated under Sections 20, 29 and 44 of the A.P. Forest Act, 1967 (for short ‘the Act’) and the relevant Rules made thereunder, by the 1st respondent. Through an order, dated 17.12.2008, the 1st respondent directed confiscation of the vehicle. The petitioner challenges the said order. The petitioner contends that the vehicle was used by the driver to transport teak logs without his knowledge, and despite, an order in Crl.M.P.No.748 of 2008 by the Court of VII Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate, Warangal, the vehicle was not released. It is also stated that the petitioner was not given an opportunity of being heard. Heard Sri G.Venkateswara Rao, learned counsel for the petitioner, and learned Government Pleader for Forests. This Court would have entertained the writ petition, had it been a case where the petitioner is without any remedy or that the 1st respondent has no jurisdiction to pass the impugned order. The Act specifically confers powers upon the 1st respondent to deal with matters of this nature. Though it is alleged that the petitioner was not given an opportunity, the order discloses that the 1st respondent has undertaken extensive discussion over the matter on merits. The Act provides for an appeal, and in fact, in the impugned order itself, the 1st respondent indicated that an appeal lies to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Warangal within 30 days. Therefore, this Court is not inclined to interfere with the impugned order. The petitioner has to avail the alternative remedy. The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of, leaving it open to the petitioner to avail the remedy of appeal against the impugned order. It is directed that, in case the petitioner filed any appeal, it shall be entertained without raising any objection as to limitation. There shall be no order as to costs. ____________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dated:01.05.2009. Note: Furnish C.C. in one week. (B/o) GJ