The court upholds the law regarding the compoundable nature of offenses in response to vehicle seizure under mineral regulations.

J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 23^rd day of February, 2026 In both these writ petitions, the petitioner's vehicles were seized, alleging violation of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2015 , as also, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 . Although the petitioner would dispute the charges levelled against him, he is inclined to compound the offence, for which he approached the 4^th respondent. However, he is not acting in terms of law, is the short grievance.

2. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, as also, the learned Government Pleader, this Court directs the 3^rd respondent to produce the respective vehicles in these Writ Petitions before the 4^th respondent, and there will be a consequential direction to the 4^th respondent to compound the offence in accordance with law. The first above direction to produce the vehicles before the 4^th respondent shall be complied with by the 3^rd respondent within a period of three days from today (23.02.2026). The second direction to compound shall be complied with, within a period of one week from the date of such production.

The Writ Petitions will stand disposed of, as above.

Sd/-