O R D E R:

This Writ Petition has been filed by the petitioner under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking to issue a writ of mandamus declaring the action of the respondent No.3 in seizing the Lorry bearing No.AP 05 TC 2484 of the petitioner as illegal, arbitrary and violative of Article 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India and consequently direct the respondents to release the seized vehicle in favour of the petitioner forthwith and pass such other order or orders in the interest of justice.

2) The petitioner is the owner of the seized Lorry bearing No.AP 05 TC 2484. He is engaged in the goods carrying transport of business and it is his only source of income. The vehicle of the petitioner was seized by the Respondent No.3 on 26.03.2021 alleging that the same was involved in illicit transportation of sand without any valid permit. Pursuant to the seizure of the said vehicle, the respondent No.3 has registered a case in Cr.No.86 of 2021 and the vehicle was kept in the premises of the respondent No.3 police station from the date of seizure.

3) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader of Mines & Geology and perused the material availa