IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI THURSDAY, THE 20TH AUGUST 2009 / 29TH SRAVANA 1931 WP(C).No. 23835 of 2009(Y) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- SURESHKUMAR, S/O. GOPALAN, THEKKEKNDYMEETHAL HOUSE, EDAKULAM P.O., KOYILANDI. BY ADV. SRI.ALEXANDER GEORGE RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, KOZHIKODE. 2. STATION HOUSE OFFICER, KOYILANDI POLICE STATION. BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.P.NARAYANAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 20/08/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J. ------------------------------------- W.P.(C)NO.23835 of 2009 -------------------------------------- Dated this the 20th day of August, 2009. JUDGMENT The vehicle belonging to the petitioner bearing registration No.KL-56/7603 was intercepted on 15.3.2009 on the ground that it was involved in the illicit transportation of river sand. Ultimately, Ext.P1 order has been passed by the District Collector directing payment of an amount of Rs.25,000/- under the Kerala Miner Mineral (Development and Regulation) Rules. This has been challenged in this writ pettion. 2. Ext.P1 order is cryptic. It does not reveal consideration of any other relevant aspects. This court has time and again held that the power exercised by the District Collector in this regard is quasi judicial in character. The requirementshave not been satisfied. 3. Accordingly, Ext.P1 is set aside and the District Collector is directed to pass a fresh order in the matter of W.P.(C)NO.23835 of 2009 :: 2 :: confiscation/release of the petitioner's vehicle bearing registration No.KL-56/7603, within four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, after ntoice to the petitioner as well. Writ petition is disposed of as above. Sd/- (V.GIRI) JUDGE sk/- //true copy// P.S. To Judge.