IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANTONY DOMINIC FRIDAY, THE 29TH OCTOBER 2010 / 7TH KARTHIKA 1932 WP(C).No. 32962 of 2010(U) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): ------------------- THOMAS.K.G,AGED 27,S/O.GEE VARGHESE, KOMBATHAN HOUSE,PALAMATTOM.P.O,KOTHAMANGALAM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT. BY ADV. SRI.G.SREEKUMAR (CHELUR) SRI.K.RAVI (PARIYARATH) RESPONDENT(S): ----------------------- 1. THE STATE OF KERALA,REP.BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVT.,REVENUE,DEPARTMENT,GOVT.SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,PIN-695001. 2. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,COLLECATORATE, KAKKANAD,COCHIN-682 030. 3. THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICER, COLLECTORATE,KAKKANAD,COCHIN-680 030. GOVT.PLEADER SRI.P.NARAYANAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 29/10/2010, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ANTONY DOMINIC, J. ================ W.P.(C) NO. 32962 OF 2010 (U) ===================== Dated this the 29th day of October, 2010 J U D G M E N T Ext.P3 order giving interim custody of Vehicle NO.KRY 3834 is challenged in this writ petition. The main contention raised is that the order has been passed by the District Collector on 15/6/2010 whereas the Act was amended on 14/6/2010 conferring power on the Sub Divisional Magistrate. Yet another contention raised by the counsel for the petitioner is regarding the value fixed, which according to the petitioner is exorbitant. Having regard to the jurisdictional issue raised, I do not think it necessary to go into the valuation aspect in this writ petition. Therefore taking the view that as on 15/6/2010, the District Collector did not have the power to deal with the issue, this writ petition is disposed of quashing Ext.P3 and directing that fresh orders in the matter shall be passed by the Sub Divisional Magistrate concerned on the production of a copy of this judgment. ANTONY DOMINIC, JUDGE Rp