4. The said M/s.Shriram Transport Finance Limited seized the vehicle of the petitioner on 30.05.2008 and the said fact was admitted by the said company. Thus, from 30.05.2008 onwards, the petitioner was not in possession of the vehicle and consequently, the petitioner was not able to ply the vehicle. M/s.Shriram Transport Finance Limited took possession of the vehicle as the dues were not paid and under the hire purchase agreement, the financier is entitled to seize the vehicle. As far as the permit was concerned, the permit continued to remain with the petitioner. The petitioner states that he could not get back the vehicle from M/s.Shriram Transport Finance Limited. Thus, he decided to surrender the permit and therefore, applied for stoppage of service as well as surrender of permit in the month of June 2008 before the State Transport Authority, Chennai. The State Transport Authority, Chennai instead of passing orders on the surrender application, directed the Regional Transport Officer, Chennai, North East to submit a vehicle verification report as to whether the vehicle has been kept in the address given by the petitioner. The Regional Transport Officer verified the fact with regard to the stoppage of the vehicle in the address, the financier M/s.Shriram Transport Finance Company Limited sold the vehicle to one Thiru.Haridoss of Maduravoyil without the knowledge and consent of the petitioner.
