IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE S.SIRI JAGAN THURSDAY, THE 14TH AUGUST 2008 / 23RD SRAVANA 1930 WP(C).No. 24731 of 2008(T) -------------------------- PETITIONER: ------------ BENNY THOMAS R.C. OWNER OF KL-03 K-16 TATA BUS NEDIYAVILA KIZHAKKETHIL, NARIYAPURAM P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA. BY ADV. SRI.S.MUHAMMED HANEEFF RESPONDENTS: ------------- 1. VILLAGE OFFICER KONNI. 2. THE DEPUTY TAHASILDAR (RR) KONNI 3. DISTRICT OFFICER, MOTOR WORKERS WELFARE FUND BOARD, PATHANAMTHITTA 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MOTOR WORKERS WELFARE FUND BOARD, KOLLAM. BY ADV. SRI. P. RAMAKRISHNAN. GOVT. PLEADER SRI. I.V. PRAMOD. THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 14/08/2008, THE COURT, ON THE SAME DAY, DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: S. Siri Jagan, J. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= W. P (C) No. 24731 of 2008 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dated this, the 14th August, 2008. J U D G M E N T The petitioner is challenging proceedings initiated against the petitioner for recovery of motor transport workers welfare fund contributions. However, the petitioner does not now dispute the liability or quantum. The petitioner seeks release of his vehicle, which has been seized as also permission to pay off the amounts in instalments. 2. I have heard the learned standing counsel for respondents 3 and 4 as well as the learned Government Pleader. After hearing both sides, I am of opinion that the petitioner may be permitted to pay off the amounts in instalments, but subject to payment of a lump sum initially. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with the following directions: The petitioner shall pay 50% of the amount within one week. On payment of that amount, the vehicle shall be released to the petitioner. The balance amount shall be paid in five equal monthly instalments starting from 1-10-2008. Every subsequent instalment shall be paid on the first working day of every succeeding month. If the petitioner pays the above amounts in time without default, further recovery proceedings shall be kept in abeyance. However, if the petitioner commits default in payment of any of the subsequent instalments, the petitioner shall voluntarily surrender the vehicle on demand, failing which the respondents can seize the same. The petitioner shall not alienate or otherwise part with possession of the vehicle till the dues are completely paid off. S. Siri Jagan, Judge. Tds/