p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK W.P.(C) No. 16749 OF 2026 Jitendra Pradhan …. Petitioner Mr. Rashmi Ranjan Satapathy, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha and others …. Opp. Parties Mr. Chandrakanta Pradhan, Additional Government Advocate CORAM: HON’BLE JUSTICE K.R. MOHAPATRA ORDER Order No. 29.05.2026 1. 1. This matter is taken up through virtual mode. 2. This writ petition has been filed assailing the demand notice dated 18th May, 2026 (Annexure-3) issued by the Mining Officer, Cuttack Circle, Cuttack, enclosing therewith a demand note of Rs.4,13,540/-, issued to the Petitioner to express his willingness to pay compounding fee against detained vehicle bearing Registration No.OD 05 CH 4911. 3. The aforesaid vehicle of the Petitioner has been detained by the Tahasildar, Tigiria on 12th May, 2026 on the ground of illegal transportation of blackstone. 4. It is submitted by Mr. Satapathy, learned counsel for the Petitioner that in W.P.(C) No.13395 of 2026, involving similar issue, this Court vide order dated 4th May, 2026, directed the Petitioner therein to deposit a sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) in cash and the rest amount as property security in respect of the demand raised therein within a period of Digitally Signed Signed by: MADHUSMITA SAHOO Designation: SENIOR STENOGRAPHER Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 29-May-2026 20:18:47 Signature Not Verified p. 2 p. 2 fifteen days from the date of production of certified copy of the said order. The Petitioner has also prayed for a similar direction in the present writ petition. 5. Mr. Pradhan, learned Additional Government Advocate does not have any objection to such prayer. 6. In view of the above, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction that if the Petitioner deposits a sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) in cash and furnishes property security for the rest amount to the satisfaction of the Mining Officer, Cuttack Circle, Cuttack within a period of fifteen days from the date of filing of certified copy of this order, the vehicle bearing Registration No. OD 05 CH 4911 shall be released, subject to proper verification of his ownership and acknowledgement, and that the vehicle is not involved in any other offence. 7. On release of the vehicle, if any, the same shall be produced before the Authority as and when required. It is also directed that the Petitioner shall keep the vehicle in immaculate condition and shall not create any third-party interest in the meantime. Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application. (K.R. Mohapatra) Vacation Judge ms Designation: SENIOR STENOGRAPHER