J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 26^th day of February, 2026 The short grievance of the petitioner is that his lorry, which has been seized alleging violation of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act , has not been released, despite the offence being compounded. The fact that the offence compounded is decipherable from Ext.P3.

2. In respect of the above factual aspect, learned Government Pleader has no quarrel. Learned Government Pleader would submit that, after receipt of the compounding fee, a communication has been issued by the Geologist to the Sub Collector reporting the factum of compounding.

3. In the circumstances, the 1^st respondent will take effective steps to ensure that the vehicle is released, since the vehicle cannot be kept in custody after compounding the offence. The 1^st respondent will ensure that this direction is complied with within a period of two days from today (26.02.2026). Petitioner will produce a copy of this judgment before the 1^st respondent, for compliance. That apart, learned Government Pleader will instruct the gist of this judgment to the 1^st respondent today itself, for compliance.

The Writ Petition (Civil) will st