APHC010357062025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3458] WEDNESDAY, THE SIXTEENTH DAY OF JULY TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NO: 17948/2025 Between: 1. GORIKAPUDI SUJINI, W/O.GORIKAPUDI SURESH, AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS, OWNER OF TRACTOR H.NO.1, MAIN ROAD, AMUDARLANKA, NEAR M.P.U.P. SCHOOL, NADAKUDURU, KRISHNA DISTRICT-521126. 2. GORIKAPUDI SURESH, S/O.ANTARVEDI, AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS, OWNER OF TRAILER H.NO.1, MAIN ROAD, AMUDARLANKA, NEAR M.P.U.P. SCHOOL, NADAKUDURU, KRISHNA DISTRICT-521126. ...PETITIONER(S) AND 1. THE STATE OF AP, REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, MINES AND GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT BUILDINGS, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATHI, GUTUR DISTRICT-522237. 2. THE TAHSILDAR, CHALLAPALLI, KRISHNA DISTRICT. 3. THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER, CHALLAPALLI POLICE STATION, KRISHNA DISTRICT. ...RESPONDENT(S): Counsel for the Petitioner(S): 1. B JAYA PRABHAKARA RAO Counsel for the Respondent(S): 2 1. GP FOR HOME 2. GP FOR REVENUE 3. GP FOR MINES AND GEOLOGY The Court made the following: ORDER: The writ petition is filed challenging the action of the 3rd respondent in seizing the Tractor bearing No. AP39UX3042 and its Trailer No.AP07DK3202 belonging to the petitioners, in connection with FIR No.214 of 2025, without following the procedure under the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966. 2. Heard Sri B. Jaya Prabhakara Rao, learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents. With the consent of both the parties, the writ petition is disposed of at the stage of admission. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioners contends that the petitioner has been using the subject vehicle for agricultural and commercial use on hire. On 09.07.2025, basing on complaint, the 3rd respondent herein seized the vehicle alleging that the petitioners have been transporting sand without valid documents. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the 3rd respondent has illegally seized the vehicle of the petitioners and registered FIR No.214 of 2025 under Section 303(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 3 2023 and Sections 27 of Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act (APWALTA). Hence, he prays the Court to direct the respondents to release the vehicle. In support of his contentions, the learned counsel for the petitioners relies on a decision of this Court in W.P.No.5213 of 2025, and prays the Court to dispose of the Writ Petition in terms of the said order. He further relies on G.O.Ms.No.100 dated 26.06.2025. 5. The relevant clauses of Clause 19(a) of the said G.O.Ms.No.100 Industries & Commerce (Mines-II) Department, dated 26.06.2025, read as follows: 19. Offences and Penalties: (a). In case of the vehicles engaged in illegal/ un-authorized excavation in the prohibited areas (i.e., within 500 meters from the Ground water structures, Bridges, Dams, Railway lines and cross drainage structures etc.), transportation of sand outside the State and found transporting sand without valid permit shall be penalized as follows; Vehicle Type First Time (In Rs.) Second Time (In Rs.) Tractor Upto 10,000/- Rs.10,001/- to 20,000/- Lorry fitted with upto 10 tires capacity Upto 25,000/- Rs.25,001/- to 50,000/- Lorry fitted with above 10 tires Upto 50,000/- Rs.50,001/- to 1,00,000/- Machinery Upto 50,000/- Rs.50,001/- to 1,00,000/- Thus, he argues that the authorities cannot seize the vehicle for any alleged violations, they could, at the best levy only penalties. 4 6. Considering the submissions of both the learned counsel and upon perusing the material on record, the Writ Petition is disposed of in terms of the order passed in W.P.No.5213 of 2025, dated 03.03.2025 directing the respondent authorities to pass appropriate orders in terms of clause 19(a), of G.O.Ms.No.100 Industries & Commerce (Mines-II) Department, dated 26.06.2025, for levying penalty, if any. After the levy of penalty, and on payment of such penalty, the seized vehicles shall be released by the 3rd respondent on producing the receipt of such payment and ownership documents of the vehicles to the satisfaction of the 3rd respondent. There shall be no order as to costs. As a sequel, miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall also stand closed. ______________________________ JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA Dated: 16.07.2025 MSI 5 THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NO: 17948/2025 Dated: 16.07.2025 MSI