IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK WP(C) No.12572 of 2026 Abani Kumar Pradhan …. Petitioner Mr. B.B. Behera, Advocate -versus- Mining Officer-cum-Competent Authority, Minor Mineral, Angul and Others …. Opposite Parties Mr. R. Pradhan, ASC CORAM: SHRI JUSTICE B. P. ROUTRAY ORDER 24.4.2026 Order No. 01. 1. Heard Mr. B.B. Behera, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. R. Pradhan, learned ASC for State opposite parties. 2. The petitioner has come up challenging the impugned order of demand notice regarding payment of compounding fee amounting Rs.2,01,000/- as per Annexure-1, for illegal transportation of sand in the Tractor-Trolley bearing registration number OD-21-P-8659. 3. As seen from Annexure-1, the Deputy Director of Mines, Talcher Circle, Talcher has issued the notice for deposit of 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.25,000/- (twenty five thousand only) in cash and the rest amount as property security in respect of the demanded amount as per Annexure-1, before the authority within a period of 15 days from today along with certified Digitally Signed Signed by: MANAS KUMAR PANDA Reason: Authentication Location: OHC, Cuttack Date: 24-Apr-2026 17:01:57 Signature Not Verified copy of this order and a copy of the writ petition, his vehicle may be 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