JUDGMENT :

KONDAIAH, .J.

1. This writ appeal is directed against judgment of our learned brother Chowdary, J., dismissing the appellants writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents not to give effect to the proceedings of the District forest officer, Cuddapah dated 28-7-1976 as confirmed by the Sessions Judge, Cuddapah in Criminal Appeal No. 83 of 1976 and by the High Court in Criminal Revision Case No. 189 of 1977 dated 7-2-1978 and consequently to direct the respondent to release the Ambassador Car bear-ring No. A.A.T. 2236.

2. The Ambassador car along with 117 billets of Sandal-wood was seized by the Forest Authorities on 28th July 1976 at Rajampet for contravention of Rule 3 of Andhra Pradesh Sandal-wood and Red-Sandal Wood transit Rules by transporting the Sandal-wood billets without the requisite mark and without a transport permit by the requisite authority. The forest produce and the vehicle were seized immediately and they were produced before the District Forest Officer, Cuddapah, who recorded statements of four persons, including the second appellant herein. The commission of offence