1. The inaction of the respondents, in returning the sum of Rs.12,180/- towards the value of the paddy confiscated from the petitioners, is questioned in this Writ Petition.

2. The undisputed facts are that 60 bags of paddy along with tractor was seized from the petitioners’ custody by respondent No.2 on 20.06.1997. Proceedings under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (for short ‘the Act’) were initiated in respect of the seized stocks. By order, dated 20.12.1999, respondent No.1 has ordered confiscation of the seized paddy besides imposing fine of Rs.1,000/- from the owner of the seized vehicle. Feeling aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner filed Criminal Appeal No. 150 of 2000 before the Court of the learned Sessions Judge, Anantapur. By judgment dated 17.04.2003, the learned Sessions Judge allowed the said appeal and set aside the order of confiscation. The grievance of the petitioners is that despite passage of nearly 10 years, the respondents have not paid back the value of the paddy with interest.

3. When this Writ Petition came up before this Court on 18.02.2013, the case was adjourned at the request of the learned Government Pleader for Civil