THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.6938 of 2011 ORDER: The petitioner is the owner of the heavy vehicle bearing No.AP 05 TU 2687. On 05.03.2011, it was checked by the Motor Vehicle Inspector, Mangalgiri, respondent No.2 herein. It was found that as against the permitted gross weight, it was over loaded by 8050 kgs. After issuing a show cause notice, the 1st respondent passed an order, dated 15.03.2011, suspending the permit issued to the vehicle for a period of 30 days from 15.03.2011. The same is challenged in this writ petition. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for Transport. The overloading has become a menace to the condition of the roads in the State or elsewhere. Taking note of the said fact, the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the offer made by the owner of the vehicle, which is found to be overloaded, for compounding the violation need not be accepted as a matter of course. Obviously, taking note of the said observation, the 1st respondent passed the impugned order suspending the permit of the petitioner for a period of 30 days. Strictly speaking no exception can be taken to the impugned order. However, the period of suspension appears to be excessive. For all practical purposes, the vehicle had to be kept idle for a period of one month. The heavy goods vehicle of such a magnitude needs a huge investment, apart from employment potential. On a consideration of the relevant factors, this Court is of the view that the period of suspension of the permit can be restricted to 15 days. Hence, the Writ Petition is disposed of, restricting the period of suspension of the licence to 15 days from 05.03.2011 i.e. date of seizure. The petitioner shall be entitled to use the vehicle on expiry of 15 days, subject to the payment of overload penalty, in accordance with the relevant provisions of law. There shall be no order as costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.18.03.2011. Note: Issue operative portion of the order by wire at party’s costs. (B/o) GJ