Nallapu Rajesh v. the State of Andhra Pradesh
Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India – Seizure of vehicles
Case brief
What is this about?
Single-judge Article 226 order dated 03.02.2026 by Justice Venkateswarulu Nimmagadda in Writ Petition No. 3064 of 2026: mandamus seeking release of two seized tipper lorries (AP 39 WD 6805 and AP 31 TF 5934) taken by mining authorities allegedly without statutory procedure under the A.P. Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957; order passed by consent on the petitioners' offer to pay seigniorage fee and penalty under Rule 26(3)(iii); vehicles directed to be released within one week; no costs. Counsel also sought release of seized granite slabs, but the operative direction covers the vehicles only. Keywords: seigniorage fee; penalty; vehicle seizure; minor minerals; granite; mandamus; Mines and Geology; Rule 26 APMC Rules.
What did the court decide?
Direction to the 2nd respondent to pass orders under Clause (iii) Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 26 of the A.P. Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, collect the due seigniorage fee and penalty as per law, and release seized vehicles Nos. AP 39 WD 6805 and AP 31 TF 5934 to the petitioners within one week of receipt of a copy of the order; no costs; miscellaneous applications, if any, closed.