JUDGMENT :

SANJEEB K. PANIGRAHI, J.

1. The Petitioner, in the present Writ Petition, seeks quashing of the order dated 12.08.2025 passed by the learned District Judge, Nayagarh in F.A.O. No. 7 of 2025, and the order dated 13.05.2025 passed by the Authorised Officer-cum-Assistant Conservator of Forests, Nayagarh in O.R. Case No. 12K of 2024–25, purportedly in exercise of powers under Section 56 of the Orissa Forest Act, 1972.

I. FACTUAL MATRIX OF THE CASE:

2. Succinctly put, the facts of the case as narrated by the petitioner are as follows:

(i) The petitioner had purchased a tractor along with a trolley by availing finance from a private financial institution. The said tractor–trolley was duly registered, the tractor bearing Registration No. OD-25-L-6493 and the trolley bearing Registration No. OD-25-L-6545, and the petitioner is the registered owner of the aforesaid vehicle.

(ii) The petitioner had handed over his vehicle to the driver at the relevant point of time under a bona fide belief and in good faith, having regard to the past conduct of the said driver and the smooth management of the vehicle.

(iii) On 24.12.2023 at about 2.00 p.m., upon receiving information from a reliable sour