THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.9272 of 2009 ORDER: The petitioner is the owner of an autorikshaw, bearing No.AP 21 W 6659. The Forest Range Officer, Nandyal, the 2nd respondent herein, seized the vehicle on 02.01.2009, on the ground that seven red sander logs, weighing 21 Kgs., were found loaded in it. Proceedings were initiated by the 1st respondent under Section 44 of the A.P. Forest Act, 1967. It is stated that the owner of the wood had entered the auto along with the sizers, stating that they are needed for a window frame, and not being able to distinguish the quality thereon, the driver allowed it. It is also stated that the 1st respondent compounded the offence against the owner of the wood, by name Karlakunta Prasad, whereas the autorikshaw has not been released, as yet. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for Forests. The petitioner filed a copy of statement, dated 02.01.2009 in Form-D under Rule 5 of the A.P. Forest Offences (Compounding and Prosecution) Rules 1969, in which the offence against one Karlakunta Prasad was compounded by collecting a sum of Rs.1,943/-. It is not known as to whether the petitioner has also approached the 1st respondent with an application to compound the offence. Unless the petitioner expresses his readiness for that purpose, the respondents cannot compound the offence. Further, if the petitioner is not willing for compounding the offence, he has to wait, till the proceedings are disposed of in accordance with law. Hence, the Writ Petition is disposed of, leaving it open to the petitioner to file an application before the 1st respondent for compounding of the offence against him, and in particular, the vehicle. If such an application is filed, the 1st respondent shall pass appropriate orders within two weeks from the date of receipt of application, duly taking into account the fact that the case, against the owner of the goods, was compounded. There shall be no order as to costs. ____________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dated:30.04.2009. GJ