1 2025:CGHC:52902 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR CRR No. 1302 of 2025 1 - Zameer Khan S/o Abdul Rasid Aged About 53 Years R/o Kumhda Khol Puddukota, Thana Ratanpur, Tahsil And District Bilaspur (C.G.) ... applicant(s) versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Thana Chowki Belgahna Kota, DistrictBilaspur (C.G.) ---- Respondent For applicant : Mr. Krishna Kumar Khatri, Advocate For State : Mr. Ajit Singh, G.A. Hon’ble Shri Arvind Kumar Verma, Judge Order on Board 30/10/2025 1. By way of instant criminal revision, the applicant has challenged the order dated 14.10.2025 passed by Special Judge, Mines and Minteral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957/ Sessions Judge Bilaspur in Special Case (Mines and Minerals) No. 15/2025 whereby an application was filed by the applicant (owner of the vehicle). for releasing of the vehicle (Mahindra 415 Tractor) bearing Registration No. CG-10-B.T.-5048 on Supurdnama. 2. Brief facts of the case are that, on 17 June 2025, during a surprise Digitally signed by JYOTI JHA Date: 2025.10.30 18:45:33 +0530 2 inspection conducted by the Naib Tehsildar Belgahna, his team, and the OfÏcer-in-Charge of Police Outpost Belgahna at Nagoi Ghat, Arpa River area, a Mahindra Tractor 415 DI (without registration number, Engine No. NRB4SBE0001, Chassis No. MBNTFAUVERNV04430) was found illegally excavating and transporting sand without any valid permit. The driver absconded, abandoning the vehicle, which was subsequently seized under Section 106 BNSS and kept in police custody. The applicant is the registered owner of the vehicle and on 05.07.2025 he filed an application for obtaining the vehicle on Suprudnama, which has been rejected on the ground of non- submission of legal documents like mineral transportation pass. Again second application was moved by the applicant for release of vehicle, which has also been rejected by the Sessions Court on the ground of non submission of mineral transportation pass. Hence this petition. 3. Learned Counsel for the applicant contended that trial Court has committed an error by rejecting the application of applicant seeking the vehicle in question on supurdnama as he is the registered owner of vehicle. He further submits that the seized tractor is lying idle at Police Station since 21.06.2025 and if the same is not allowed to be used for a longer time, it is likely to rot or rust and no useful purpose is going to be served in keeping the vehicle idle with the police; rather if the applicant is permitted to use the seized vehicle it would be in running condition. Therefore, he prays for the release of the said seized tractor on Supurdnama in favour of the applicant. In support of 3 his contention, learned counsel for the applicant relied upon a decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai Vs State of Gujarat reported in (2002) 10 SCC 283. 4. On the other hand, learned State Counsel would oppose the prayer made by the counsel for the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the documents with utmost circumspection. 6. The Supreme Court in the case of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai Vs.State of Gujarat, reported in (2002) 10 SCC 283, in para 7 and 17 has laid down guiding principles for releasing the vehicle seized by police. For ready reference, the relevant portion is reproduced below:- “7. In our view, the powers under Section 451 CrPC should be exercised expeditiously and judiciously. It would serve various purposes, namely: 1. Owner of the article would not suffer because of its remaining unused or by its misappropriation; 2. court or the police would not be required to keep the article in safe custody; 3. if proper panchnama before handing over possession of the article is prepare, that can be used in evidence instead of its production before the court during the trial. If necessary, evidence could also be recorded describing the nature of property in detail; 4. this jurisdiction of the court to record evidence should be exercised promptly so that there may not be further chance of tampering with the articles. 17. In our view, whatever be the situation, it is of no use to keep such seized vehicles at the police station for a long period. It is for the Magistrate to pass appropriate orders immediately by taking appropriate bond and guarantee as well as security for return of the said vehicles, if required at any point of time. This can be done pending hearing of applications for return of such vehicles.” 7. Similar stand has also been taken by the Supreme Court in the case of Multani Hanifbhai Kalubhai Vs. State of Gujarat & Another, 4 reported in 2013 (3) SCC 240, wherein the Supreme Court has expressed that it is not advisable to keep the seized vehicle in the Police Station in open condition which is prone to natural decay on account of weather conditions for a long period. 8. In the instant case, it is submitted by the learned counsel for the applicant that no useful purpose would be served if the vehicle is allowed to get exposed in the extreme weather conditions in the Police Station, rather the vehicle can be released to the applicant, who is claiming himself to be the owner of the vehicle. On perusal of the records it transpires that the applicant has filed a copy of vehicle registration certificate. There is no other compelling reason warranting rejection of application for release of the seized vehicle under interim custody of the applicant. It is also pertinent to mention here that in many cases, it is found that vehicles are standing for long period even after confiscation order has been passed and despite 2-3 years, no substantive action has been taken and the vehicle is still standing in stationed condition. 9. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case in light of the decisions rendered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matters of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai (supra) and Multani Hanifbhai Kalubhai (supra) and also considering the facts of the case, submissions made by counsel for parties, the fact that the applicant is the registered owner of the vehicle in question, this Court is of the opinion that no useful purpose would be served to keep the seized vehicle in the police custody and it would be appropriate to release 5 the seized vehicle Vehicle Mahindra 415 Tractor No. CG-10-B.T. 5048 on Supurdnama in favour of the applicant. 10. Accordingly, the present petition is allowed. Impugned order dated 14.10.2025 passed by the Session Court is hereby set aside. The seized vehicle is directed to be released on Supurdnama in favour of the applicant on the following conditions:- (i) Before release of the vehicle, the documents pertaining to ownership of the said vehicle be verified and proper Panchnama of the vehicle be made. (ii) Photographs of the vehicle should be taken and bond should also be produced that the vehicle would be produced as and when required. (iii) Proper security i.e. personal bond of Rs. 6,00,000/- (six lakhs) and equivalent surety be obtained before release of vehicle. (iv) He shall file an afÏdavit giving undertaking that he shall not use aforesaid vehicle for illegal transportation of sand. Sd/- (Arvind Kumar Verma) Judge Jyoti