THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE R.SUBHASH REDDY WRIT PETITION No.6533 of 2011 ORDER: Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents. In this writ petition, petitioner has questioned the action of the respondents in seizing vehicle bearing No.AP31 TT 9589 on 07.03.2011. A perusal of letter, dated 10.03.2011, addressed by the first respondent – Tahsildar, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, to the second respondent – Station House Officer, Anakapalli Town Police Station, Visakhapatnam, reveals that the vehicle in question was transporting sand illegally. When the matter is taken up today, on instructions, it is submitted by the learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents that the vehicle in question was seized earlier also for similar offence. It is also submitted that the vehicle in question is in the custody of the second respondent. A perusal of Rule 9-X(b) of the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966 indicates that when the offence is of such nature, at the first instance, penalty is leviable for an amount of Rs.10,000/-. Further, there is also a provision to confiscate the seized vehicle in repeated violations. As it is stated by the learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents that the vehicle in question was seized earlier also, I deem it appropriate to direct the respondents to release the vehicle in question to the petitioner on his depositing Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) before the third respondent – Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam District, within a period of two (2) weeks from today. Such deposit made by the petitioner will be subject to final orders to be passed by the competent authority under the Rules. Subject to the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No order as to costs. _______________________ R.SUBHASH REDDY, J 15th MARCH, 2011. kvni