Md. Umar Farooque v. The State of Bihar
Case brief
What is this about?
Patna High Court, CWJC No. 3757 of 2025, oral order dated 12-01-2026 by Sandeep Kumar, J. Mining penalty of Rs. 10 lakh imposed by the District Mineral Development Officer, Katihar without hearing the petitioner and in a printed format held violative of principles of natural justice; order and subsequent proceedings including confiscation quashed; fresh consideration directed after show-cause notice and hearing. Release of seized J.C.B. machine (CH No. HAR 3DXSSE) ordered on Rs. 10 lakh security deposit subject to N.O.C. from financier Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Ltd., failing which release to the financier on same terms; settlement recorded (Rs. 1,10,000/- paid, Rs. 1,50,000/- due by 20.01.2026). Keywords: principles of natural justice; printed format order; hearing opportunity; Bihar mining penalty; confiscation proceedings; quashing; remand for fresh consideration; show-cause notice; security deposit; N.O.C.; vehicle release; financier rights.