ORDER:

The Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the following relief:-

“…to issue an appropriate writ, order or direction more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the 2nd respondent in insisting to pay the tax and penalty as the condition for release of the vehicle of the Petitioners bearing No.NL 01 B 6577 vide vehicle Challan No.AP203899260525181928 dated 25.05.2026 demanding tax and fine of Rs.2,89,000/- and also compounding fees of Rs.10,000/- as illegal, arbitrary and contrary to law and consequently direct the 2nd respondent to release the vehicle of the petitioner forthwith and pass….”

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Assistant Government Pleader for the respondents.

3. It is an admitted position that the petitioner is claiming release of vehicle which was plying without paying the valid tax and permit. Therefore, the 3rd respondent has seized the vehicle bearing Registration No.NL 01 B 657 on 25.05.2026.

4. The learned Division Bench of this Court in Saleem Tours and Travels v. Joint Transport Commissioner and Secretary¹2000(4) ALD 501 = 2000 (4) ALT 468 directed the respondent authorities to release the vehicle in favour of the petitioner by imposing certain conditions to protect the interest of the respondents, pending enquiry.

5. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of with the following directions:

i. The respondents shall release the vehicle bearing Registration No.NL 01 B 657, seized on 25.05.2026, to the petitioner on condition that the petitioner pays 50% of the tax along with compound fees as on 31.05.2026 and on producing the demand draft or receipt acknowledging such payment.

ii. The petitioner shall submit an undertaking to the effect that the subject vehicle will be produced as and when required for enquiry and that the same would not be alienated, pending enquiry.

6. In the result, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No order as to costs.

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