IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK WP(C) No.5668 of 2026 Alekha Chandra Das &. Petitioner Mr. R.K.Das, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha and Others &. Opposite Parties Mr. U.R.Jena, AGA CORAM: SHRI JUSTICE B. P. ROUTRAY ORDER 09.03.2026 Order No. 04. 1. Heard Mr. Das, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Jena, learned AGA for State 3 opposite parties. 2. It is submitted that the vehicle of the Petitioner bearing registration number OD-29-R-0724 (Hyva) have been seized on the allegation of illegal transportation of sand, which is without the knowledge of the owner. It is further submitted that the vehicle was not transporting any sand extracted from any Sairat Source. 3. Mr. U.R.Jena, learned AGA submits on the other hand that as per the seizure list, the vehicle was seized loaded with illegal sand transported from the Sairat Source without valid permit. Having heard both parties and considering respective submissions as well as the circumstances of the case, the writ petition is disposed of permitting the Petitioner to approach the competent authority, since the matter is found involving disputed questions of fact. 4. At this stage, Mr. Das, learned counsel for the Petitioner submits that the consequential proceeding under the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 is pending in respect of the vehicle Digitally Signed Signed by: SANGRAM DAS Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 09-Mar-2026 18:14:47 Signature Not Verified and the vehicle may be released in his favour subject to deposit of 50% of the penalty amount as per Annexure-2. 5. Accordingly, it is directed that in the event the petitioner deposits 50% of the penalty amount charged against the vehicle, as per the challan under Annexure-3 dated 29th January 2026, the vehicle may be released in his favour without prejudice to the contentions of the parties and subject to the final decision to be taken by competent authority. ( B.P. Routray) Judge S.Das