THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R.SUBHASH REDDY WRIT PETITION No.28773 of 2010 ORDER: Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the first respondent and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Home appearing for the second respondent. In this writ petition, petitioner has questioned the seizure of vehicle bearing No.AP31 Y 8789. A perusal of the letter, dated 16.11.2010, addressed by the first respondent - Assistant Director of Mines and Geology (Vigilance), Visakhapatnam, to the second respondent - Station House Officer, Chodavaram Police Station, Visakhapatnam District, indicates that the above said vehicle was seized on the ground that during inspection, they found that the said vehicle was being used for transportation of minerals without transit permit/transit pass issued by the Mines and Geology Department. When such transportation is undertaken, penalty is leviable under Rule 9(x)(b) of the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that similar matters were disposed of by this Court directing the respondents therein to release the seized vehicle on producing proof of penalty along with ownership documents. Even the learned Assistant Government Pleaders have no objection for issuing directions to the respondents for release of the vehicle on payment of penalty and also producing required ownership documents. A copy of the order, dated 14.09.2010, passed by this Court in similar circumstances in W.P.No.22899 of 2010 is placed on record. In view of the fact that the vehicle in question was seized only on the ground of non-producing transit permit/transit pass issued by the Mines and Geology Department, I deem it appropriate to direct the respondents to release the vehicle in question in case the petitioner pays the penalty imposed on him and also producing the ownership documents in proof of ownership. After paying penalty and producing the documents, the vehicle in question shall be released immediately without any further delay. Subject to the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No order as to costs. ______________________ R.SUBHASH REDDY, J 19th NOVEMBER, 2010. Note: issue operative portion by ‘wire’ at party’s costs. kvni