Andhra Pradesh High Court
WP/34468/2025 of GANTA KONDA BABU Vs THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH on 9 December 2025
HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3458] WEDNESDAY, THE TENTH DAY OF DECEMBER TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NO: 34468/2025 Between: 1. GANTA KONDA BABU, S/O. TATAYYA KAPU, AGED ABOUT 37
APHC010668482025
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
AT AMARAVATI
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
WEDNESDAY,THE TENTH DAY OF DECEMBER
TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA
WRIT PETITION NO: 34468/2025
Between:
1. GANTA KONDA BABU, S/O. TATAYYA KAPU, AGED ABOUT 37
YEARS,
OWNER
OF
LORRY,
R/O.
H.NO.2-21,VALAVALAVARI
VEEDHI, KOTTAPATTISEEMA, GUTALA, POLAVARAM MANDAL, ELURU DISTRICT-534341.
...PETITIONER
AND
1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY, MINES AND GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT
BUILDINGS VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATHI, GUTUR DISTRICT-522237.
2. THE TAHSILDAR, KOYYALAGUDEM, ELURU DISTRICT.
3. THE
STATION
HOUSE
OFFICER,
KOYYALAGUDEM
POLICE
STATION, ELURU DISTRICT.
...RESPONDENT(S):
Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased topleased to issue an appropriate order or direction more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the 3rd Respondent in seizing the Lorry bearing No.AP39WG5767 of the Petitioner in connection with FIR No.168 of 2025 without following the procedure known to the law under APMMC Rules, 1966 as illegal, irregular, arbitrary and contrary to the procedure established by law and against to the principles of natural justice and violative of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 21
and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India and consequently direct the respondents to release the above said vehicles of the Petitioner forthwith in the interest of justice and pass
IA NO: 1 OF 2025
Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased pleased to direct the respondents to release the Lorry bearing No.
AP39WG5767 of the Petitioner pending disposal of the above writ petition in the interest of justice and pass Counsel for the Petitioner:
1. B JAYA PRABHAKARA RAO
Counsel for the Respondent(S):
1. GP FOR HOME
2. GP FOR MINES AND GEOLOGY
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ORDER:
Heard Sri B. Jaya Prabhakara Rao, learned counsel for the petitioner and Smt. Sudeepthi Potluri, learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondent No.1. With the consent of both the parties, the writ petition is disposed of at the stage of admission.
2. The writ petition is filed challenging the action of the 3rd respondent in seizing the Lorry bearing No.AP39 WG 5767 belonging to the petitioner, in connection with FIR No.168 of 2025, without following the procedure under the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner has been using the subject vehicle for commercial use on hire. On 05.12.2025, basing on complaint, the 3rd respondent herein seized the vehicle alleging that the petitioner has been transporting sand without valid bill.
4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the 3rd respondent has illegally seized the vehicle of the petitioners and registered FIR No.168 of 2025 under Sections 303 (2), 318 (4) read with Section 3 (5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 21 (1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Hence, he prays the Court to direct the respondents to release the vehicle. In support of his contentions, the learned counsel for the petitioner relies on a decision of this Court in W.P.No.20122 of 2025, and prays the Court to dispose of the Writ Petition in terms of the said order. He further relies on G.O.Ms.No.100 dated 26.06.2025.
5. The relevant clauses of Clause 19 (a) of the said G.O.Ms.No.100, Industries & Commerce (Mines-II) Department, dated 26.06.2025, read as follows:
19. Offences and Penalties:
(a) . In case of the vehicles engaged in illegal/ un-authorized excavation in the prohibited areas (i.e., within 500 meters from the Ground water structures, Bridges, Dams, Railway lines and cross drainage structures etc.), transportation of sand outside the State and found transporting sand without valid permit shall be penalized as follows; Vehicle Type First Time (In Rs.) Second Time (In Rs.) Tractor Upto 10,000/- Rs.10,001/- to 20,000/-
Lorry fitted with upto 10 tires capacity Upto 25,000/- Rs.25,001/- to 50,000/- Lorry fitted with above 10 tires Upto 50,000/- Rs.50,001/- to 1,00,000/- Machinery Upto 50,000/- Rs.50,001/- to 1,00,000/-
Thus, he argues that the authorities cannot seize the vehicle for any alleged violations, they could, at the best levy only penalties.
6. Considering the submissions of both the learned counsel and upon perusing the material on record, the Writ Petition is disposed of in terms of the order passed in W.P.No.20122 of 2025, dated 01.08.2025 directing the respondent authorities to pass appropriate orders in terms of Clause 19 (a), of G.O.Ms.No.100, Industries & Commerce (Mines-II) Department, dated 26.06.2025, for levying penalty, if any. After the levy of penalty, and on payment of such penalty, the seized vehicle shall be released by the 3rd respondent on producing the receipt of such payment and ownership documents of the vehicle to the satisfaction of the 3rd respondent. There shall be no order as to costs.
As a sequel, miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall also stand closed. ______________________________ JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA Dated: 10.12.2025 ANI
THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA
WRIT PETITION NO: 34468 of 2025 Dated: 10.12.2025
ANI