IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI MONDAY, THE 6TH JULY 2009 / 15TH ASHADHA 1931 WP(C).No. 17734 of 2009(J) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- JAYAN.V.K., H.NO.242/2, VALIYAPARACKAL HOUSE, KALOOR.P.O, KUMARAMANGALAM, THODUPPUZHA BY ADV. SRI.T.RAJASEKHARAN NAIR RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. DIVISIONAL FOREST RANGE OFFICER, KOTHAMANGALAM, ERNAKULAM. 2. FOREST RANGE OFFICER, MULLARINGADU RANGE OFFICE, TALACODEU, KOTHAMANGALAM. BY SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.P.M.POULOSE THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 06/07/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J. ---------------------------------------- W.P.(C).No.17734 of 2009 ---------------------------------------- Dated this the 6th day of July, 2009. JUDGMENT The vehicle belonging to the petitioner was seized by the Forest Officials for the alleged forest offences, it is contended. 2. According to the Forest Officials, the question as to the ownership of the vehicle is a matter for enquiry. The vehicle has been involved in four distinct forest offences and four cases have been registered. Proceedings for confiscation under Section 61 A of the Forest Act has also been commenced. 3. It is open to the petitioner to raise the jurisdictional question, if otherwise permissible. In the meanwhile, confiscation proceedings already initiated in relation to the vehicle bearing registration No.KL05-4719 shall be completed as early as possible, at any rate, within a period of six W.P.(C).No.17734 of 2009 :: 2 :: months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. If it is not completed within the aforementioned time frame, the respondents shall consider the petitioner's request for release of the vehicle on interim custody, subject to appropriate conditions. An appropriate decision shall be taken within the aforementioned period of six months. Writ petition is disposed of as above. Sd/- (V.GIRI) JUDGE sk/ //true copy// P.S. to Judge