Authority: High Court of Orissa at Cuttack
Order Date: 20 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: M/s. Infra Engineers Pvt. Ltd, Cuttack, represented by Advocate B.K. Raj.
- Opposite parties: State of Odisha and others, represented by AGA G. Tripathy.
- The dispute concerns a demand notice issued by the Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle, requiring payment of a compounding fee of Rs 4,03,997 for alleged illegal transportation of minor mineral in vehicle bearing registration No. OD‑05‑BQ‑6594.
- The petitioner challenged the notice through writ petition WP(C) No.20786 of 2026, arguing the fee is unwarranted.
- The Court examined the annexure‑7 series showing the fee assessment and noted the procedural aspects.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition is disposed, granting the authorities liberty to proceed in accordance with law regarding the vehicle.
- As an interim measure, the Court directs that if the petitioner deposits Rs 50,000 in cash and provides the remaining amount as property security within 15 days, together with a certified copy of this order and the writ petition, the vehicle may be released in his favour.
- An urgent certified copy of the order shall be issued on proper application.
Topics: Legal; Mining Regulation