post and had found wooden logs illegally being transported in the said vehicle. Immediately thereafter, PW1 along with staff rushed to Sampaje check post and after inspecting the aforesaid vehicle which contained rosewood logs hidden under vegetable bags, made an enquiry with the driver and cleaner of the said vehicle and subsequently, FIR was registered in FOC No.7/2-21-22 against accused Nos.1 to 4 for the offences punishable under Sections 62, 71A, 80 and 104A of the Karnataka Act pertaining to violation of Sections 127A, 144 and 165 of the Karnataka Forest Rules. The lorry bearing Reg.No.KL-58-J-7048 was seized during the course of investigation in the present case. Petitioner, who is the owner of the said vehicle, had filed an application under Section 457 of Cr.P.C. before the competent authority to release the aforesaid vehicle to his interim custody and the said application was allowed by the competent authority. Subsequently, the competent authority in exercise of his powers under Section 71A of the Karnataka Forest Act, held enquiry and passed order dated 22.01.2025 confiscating the Eicher Lorry owned by petitioner. The said order was challenged by the petitioner before the Appellate Court in Crl.A.No.46/2025 which was
