Judgment : The Court : Mr Bhattacharyay appearing for the State submits under instructions that the proceedings in connection wherewith the vehicle was seized are pending. It seems to me that the vehicle was seized under s.52 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The petitioner’s case is that the vehicle was wrongfully seized, and that his application for release of the vehicle has not been disposed of. Mr Bhowmik appearing for the petitioner has submitted that the petitioner has not received any communication from any Forest Officer. In my opinion, the petitioner’s remedy, if any, was under s.53 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. If the Forest Officer concerned has initiated proceedings for confiscation, needless to say, the petitioner is free to participate in the proceedings and contest them. In view of the above-noted situation, I dispose of this petition ordering as follows. The Divisional Forest Officer, Jhargram Division is directed to see that the petitioner’s request for release of the vehicle is decided by the appropriate authorised officer in terms of the provisions of s.53 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. If the Divisional Forest Officer is to take decision, then he shall take it himself. The decision in terms of this order shall be taken within three days from the date of communication of this order and it shall be communicated to the petitioner at once. No costs.