ORDER:

The proceedings vide Rc.B2.130/2021 dated 18.06.2021 issued by respondent No.2 directing the 1st petitioner to furnish Bank Guarantee for a sum of Rs.3,00,000/-, for release of the seized stock; the 2nd petitioner to furnish bank guarantee for a sum of Rs.3,00,000/- for release of seized Mini Lorry; and, the petitioners 3, 4 and 5, to furnish bank guarantee for a sum of Rs.2,00,000/- each for release of their seized TATA Infra truck vans, is questioned in the writ petition as being illegal and arbitrary.

Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Civil Supplies. With their consent, the Writ Petition is being disposed of at the admission stage.

The case of the petitioners is that the 1st petitioner is carrying on business in food grains under the name and style of M/s Sri Chintalamma Traders and petitioners 2 to 4 are the registered owners of the seized mini Lorry and autos bearing Nos.AP 39 TR 5660; AP 39 TS 6758; AP 26 YJ TR 8598 and AP 26 YJ TR 9308. On 28.05.2021 the Food Inspector along with vigilance authorities intercepted the vehicles of the petitioners at Saraswathi Nagar, and on suspicion that PDS rice is being transported in