The court has the discretion to direct the release of a seized vehicle with conditions to protect the interests of the parties involved.

JUDGMENT

Battu Devanand, J. - Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Government Pleader for Civil Supplies and the learned Government Pleader for Home and perused the material available on record.

2. Having heard the respective counsel and upon perusal of the material available on record, it is an admitted fact that subsequent to the seizure of the rice and vehicle, a proceedings under Section 6A are initiated before the 2nd Respondent, who is the competent authority. The illegality and validity of the seizure has to be decided by the 2nd Respondent in 6A proceedings.

3. However, considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in the light of the latest order passed by a Division Bench of this Court in Onteru Bhaskar vs. State of Andhra Pradesh, represented by its Principal Secretary, Civil Supplies Department and others 2022 SCC OnLine AP 348 in our considered opinion, it is appropriate and reasonable to direct the 2nd Respondent to release the seized vehicle in favour of the petitioner on imposing certain condition, to protect the interest of the Respondents, pending disposal of the 6A proceedings.

4. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with the following directions:

(i) The interim disposal order in Rc.CS1/6A/130/2022, dated 26.11.2022, issued by the 2nd Respondent is hereby set aside.

(ii) The Respondents shall release the Mahindra Bolero 4-Wheeler bearing No. AP 39 UA 6924 in favour of the petitioner on condition of furnishing personal or third party immovable security property equivalent to the value of the seized stock in the said vehicle, within a period of two (02) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order; and

iii) The petitioner shall submit an undertaking stating that the seized vehicle shall not be alienated or mortgaged during pendency of the 6-A Proceedings.

5. There shall be no order as to costs.

As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions, if any pending, shall stand closed.