J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 26^th day of February, 2026 Petitioner claims that his tipper lorry, bearing registration no.KL-58 AF-5705, has been seized by the Village Officer alleging violation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Rules. The seizure has not been reported to the 3^rd respondent/ Geologist. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is prepared to compound the offence. On such premise, the petitioner seeks a direction to report the seizure to the Geologist and also to enable compounding.

2. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader, this Court directs the 1^st respondent/Village Officer to report the seizure to the 3^rd respondent/Geologist within two days from today (26.02.2026). There will be a further direction to the 3^rd respondent/Geologist to compound the offence, in accordance with law, if the petitioner seeks the same, expeditiously, at any rate, within a period of one week from the date of reporting the offence as directed above. Upon compounding the offence, in accordance with law, needless to say that, the vehicle shall be released forthwith. Petitioner wil