----------------------- The petitioner’s vehicle bearing No.KL-11B-6178 has been seized alleging transportation of river sand without permit. The petitioner seeks interim custody of the vehcile. The petitioner has an alternate remedy under Section 23 A of the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001.
2. In view of the above, there shall be a direction to the 2nd respondent to report the seizure of the vehicle within one week before competent jurisdictional Magistrate. If the petitioner moves an application for interim custody, that application shall be considered by the competent jurisdictional Magistrate under Section 23 A of the Act within a period of ten days from the date receipt of such application. The 1st respondent is also directed to conclude the proceedings on confiscation of the vehicle within a period of two months.
The writ petition is disposed of as above.
A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE jm/