THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY W.P.No.26165 of 2009 ORDER: The petitioner claims to be the owner of a vehicle bearing No.AP 05 W-5548. It was seized by the Forest Range Officer, Addateegala, East Godavari District, 2nd respondent herein on 12.10.2009 on the ground that 18 logs of Rosewood was being transported in it. Initially proceedings were instituted before the Court of Judicial First Class Magistrate, Addateegala in Crime No.81 of 2009. However, the same were made over to the Divisional Forest Officer, Kakinada, 1st respondent herein on the ground that the offence is committed under the provisions of the A.P. Forest Act (for short ‘the Act’). It was also mentioned that the facility of compounding of offences exists. The grievance of the petitioner is that though the proceedings were made over to the 1st respondent on 19.11.2009, nothing has taken place so far. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for Forests. The vehicle belonging to the petitioner was seized on the allegation that it was used in committing offence under the Act. The 1st respondent is conferred with the power to adjudicate such matters as well as to pass orders as regards the interim custody of the vehicle. Therefore, the writ petition is disposed of directing that it shall be open to the petitioner to file an application before the 1st respondent either for release of the vehicle as an interim measure or for compounding of offence. The 1st respondent shall pass appropriate orders on such application within a period of two weeks from the date of its presentation. There shall be no order as to costs. _________ 02.12.2009 Note: Issue C.C. in one week. (B/o) JSU THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY W.P.No.26165 of 2009 Date: 02.12.2009 JSU