HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R. SUBHASH REDDY WRIT PETITION No.25688 of 2009 Date : 26.11.2009 Between : Kotha Ramesh. …..Petitioner And The Prl. Chief Conservator of Forest, Government of A.P. & others. …..Respondents HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R. SUBHASH REDDY WRIT PETITION No.25688 of 2009 ORDER : Petitioner is the owner of a Jeep bearing No.AP-03- A-5353. It is submitted that he himself drives the said vehicle for his livelihood. On 08.10.2009, the said vehicle was seized by the Forest Range Officer (Anti Poaching Squad), alleging that the passengers travelling in the vehicle were in possession of a gunny bag, in which, a snake and three small size tortoises were found. The forest officials have seized the snake and tortoises, along with the vehicle. It is the case of the petitioner that the offence was compounded by the officials by collecting an amount of Rs.22,000/- from the accused, namely, K.Venkateswar Rao and others, but inspite of his application, dated 07.11.2009, the vehicle is not released to him. 2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and also the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents. 3. Even according to the petitioner, he did not make any application before the 2nd respondent, who is the competent authority to consider his claim for release of vehicle. As it is submitted that the offence is compounded by collecting the compounding fee, I deem it appropriate to dispose of this writ petition, permitting the petitioner to make a representation before the 2nd respondent- Divisional Forest Officer, Hyderabad Division, within a period of three days from today. On filing such representation, the 2nd respondent shall forthwith consider it and pass appropriate orders on the same. 4. Subject to above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No order as to costs. _____________________ R.SUBHASH REDDY, J 26th November 2009 Note: Furnish C.C. today. (b/o) ajr