IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK WP(C) No.4870 of 2026 Harapriya Sahoo …. Petitioner Mr. S.S. Das, Advocate -versus- Director of Mines, Odisha and Others …. Opposite Parties Mr. U.R. Jena, AGA CORAM: SHRI JUSTICE B. P. ROUTRAY ORDER 25.3.2026 Order No. 03. 1. Heard Mr. S.S. Das, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. U.R. Jena, learned AGA for State opposite parties. 2. The petitioner has come up challenging the impugned order dated 1st November, 2025 assessing the compounding fee amounting Rs.4,64,430.40 as per Annexure-8, for illegal transportation of laterite stone in the truck bearing registration number OD-05-BU-1103. 3. As seen from Annexure-8, the office of Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle has assessed the compounding fee to the aforementioned tune. 4. As such, the writ petition is disposed of granting liberty to the authorities to proceed in accordance with law in respect of the vehicle in question. However, without prejudice to the contention of the petitioner, in the event he deposits a sum of Rs.35,000/- (thirty five thousand only) in cash and the rest amount as property security in respect of the demanded amount as per Annexure-8, before the authority within a period of 15 days from today along with certified copy of this order and a copy of the writ petition, his vehicle may be Digitally Signed Signed by: MANAS KUMAR PANDA Reason: Authentication Location: OHC, Cuttack Date: 25-Mar-2026 17:38:18 Signature Not Verified p. 2 released in his favour as an interim measure, subject to final decision to be taken by the authority. 5. An urgent certified copy of this order shall be issued on proper application. ( B.P. Routray) Judge M.K.Panda