( 1 ) THE Conservator of Forests, Nizamabad circle, Nizamabad (2nd respondent) by his proceedings in POR No. 38/c/2004-05 dated 25-7-2004, Office file NO. 4178/2004/m1, dated 10-8-2004, while compounding the offence on payment of compensation of Rs. 25,000/-, forfeited the vehicle jeep no. AP 12 D 703 and two riffles of the petitioners to the State under Sec. 39 (1) (d) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and the third petitioner, who is the owner of the said vehicle, was informed that the said vehicle has been forfeited to the Government vide proceedings of the Conservator of Forests, nizamabad Circle, dated 4-10-2004 in re. No. 4178/2004/mi (i ). Against the said orders, the first petitioner filed an appeal before 1st respondent-the Principal Chief conservator of Forests, which was dismissed by his order dated 9-10-2004 in rc N0. 3634/2004/wl-4. Questioning the aforesaid orders forfeiting the vehicle and two riffles to the State, the present writ petition has been filed.

( 2 ) HEARD the Counsel appearing for the petitioners as well as the learned government Pteader for Forests appearing on behalf of the respondents.

( 3 ) THE brief facts that led to filing of the