Sun Apr 20 16:39:04 UTC 2025: **Mangaluru Court Modifies Order, Allows Indemnity Bond Instead of Bank Guarantee for Seized Vehicle**
MANGALURU, INDIA (April 20, 2025) – A Mangaluru court has ruled in favor of vehicle owner Mohammed Rameez, modifying a previous order that required a bank guarantee for the release of his vehicle seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation. The court instead ordered Rameez to furnish an indemnity bond of ₹1.2 lakh.
The vehicle was seized by Bantwal Rural Police in November 2022 for allegedly transporting cattle inhumanely. Rameez and another individual were charged under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. An Assistant Commissioner initially ordered the vehicle’s release contingent on a bank guarantee equivalent to its value.
After nearly two years, Rameez appealed the order. The 6th Additional District and Sessions Judge, S.V. Kantharaju, citing a lack of specific legislation addressing the issue, referenced Karnataka High Court precedents on similar forest offense cases. The judge reasoned that the prolonged seizure rendered the vehicle potentially worthless, justifying the modification to an indemnity bond. The order was passed on April 9, 2025.
First Piper 