IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
AT AMARAVATI
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
2026:APHC:32548
WRIT PETITION NO: 22658 OF 2026
Between:
1. Kamatam Baji Babu, S/o. Kamatam Adi Narayana, aged about 52 years, Rio. D.No.128-62, Patimeda Bazar, Near Next Gen School, Gorantla, Guntur, AP - 522034.
2. Yalamarthi Venkata Siva Naga Raju, S/o. Yalamarthi Sita Ramayya, aged about 47 years, Rio. D.No.1-118, Pedavegi Mandalam, Tallagokavaram, West Godavari, AP - 534452.
...Petitioners
AND
1. The State of Andhra Pradesh, Represented by its Prinicpal Secretary, Mines and Geology Department, Secretariat Buidlings at Velagapudi, Amaravathi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh - 522237.
2. The Tahsildar, Tadepalli Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh -522501.
3. The Station House Officer, Tadepalli Police Station, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh - 522501.
...Respondents
Counsel for the Petitioners: VENKATA SIVA NAGARAJ BONKURI
Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR HOME
Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR REVENUE
Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR MINES AND GEOLOGY
THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE SUBBA REDDY SATTI
TUESDAY, THE 11th DAY OF AUGUST 2026
Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue a Writ, Order or Direction more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of respondents in seizing the Tipper Lorry bearing No. AP 39 TM 8699 of the 1st petitioner and Tipper Lorry bearing No. AP 37 TK 4793 of the 2nd Petitioner without following any procedure provided under statutes as illegal, arbitrary and violative of the procedure contemplated under the A.P. Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966 and provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957., and the rules made there under apart from being violation of Article 14, 19(1)(g) and 300-A of Constitution of India and consequently direct the respondents to release the vehicle of the petitioner from their custody
IA NO: 1 OF 2026
Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to direct the 2nd and 3rd respondents to grant interim custody the Tipper Lorry bearing No. AP 39 TM 8699 of the 1st petitioner and Tipper Lorry bearing No. AP 37 TK 4793 of the 2nd Petitioner , pending disposal of the above writ petition
The Court made the following order:
ORDER:-
The writ petition is filed challenging the action of the respondents in seizing the Tipper Lorry bearing No. AP 39 TM 8699 of the 1st petitioner and Tipper Lorry bearing No.AP 37 TK 4793 belonging to the 2nd petitioner, without following the relevant procedure under the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966.
2. Heard Sri B.V.Siva Nagaraj, learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents. With the consent of both the parties, the writ petition is disposed of at the stage of admission.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioners contends that the petitioners’ vehicles were seized without authority of law and in violation of the provisions of Rule 26 Sub-Rule (3)(iii) of the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966. He further submits that a direction may be given to the respondent authorities to pass appropriate orders for the release of the vehicles, and he relies on the decision of this Court passed in W.P.No.32021 of 2025, dated 18.11.2025.
4. Learned Assistant Government Pleader for Mines and Geology appearing for the respondents would not dispute the issue being covered by an earlier decision of this Court.
5. In view of the above, the respondents are directed to pass orders in terms of Sub-Rule (3)(iii) of Rule 26 of the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966 and collect the due seigniorage fee and penalty as per law and release the vehicles bearing Nos.AP 39 TM 8699 and AP 37 TK 4793 seized by the 3rd respondent to the respective petitioners within a period of one week from the date of receipt of the copy of the order.
6. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
As a sequel, miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall also stand closed.
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