The vehicle belonging to petitioner was allegedly seized for violation of the provisions of the Kerala Protection of River Banks (Protection and Regulation of Removal of Sand) Act, 2002. The petitioner has approached the District Collector, for release of the vehicle and is aggrieved by the non-consideration of his request for the same.
The Court ruled that the 1st respondent shall pass final orders in the matter of confiscation/release of the vehicle in question after conducting an appropriate enquiry as early as possible and at any rate within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. In the meanwhile, if motion is made by the petitioner for interim custody of the vehicle, then orders shall be passed by the District Collector on such application within three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.