Satyabrata Sinha, J. - (1.) The petitioner carries on a business as a timber merchant and for the aforementioned purpose purchases logs from various persons. In December 1995, he had sought for permission from the competent authority to convert logs into sawn timber for construction of his own house giving requisite details therefor. Thereafter, he filed applications in January, 1996 and August, 1996. The said applications are contained in annexure 'A'to the writ application.
(2.) The petitioner thereafter filed several reminder. It appears that the Divisional Forest Officer concerned by a letter dated 24th/25th October, 1996, directed the petitioner to hand over the logs to the Camp Officer, Ghat Depot, Aerial Bay and submit the acknowledgement for getting the sawing permission.
(3.) It appears that by a letter dated 23.6.97 addressed to the Divisional Forest Officer, Diglip Division, the petitioner stated as follows : "As per your letter cited above I have handed over the two logs of Fadauk to the Camp Office, Ghat Depot, A/Bay. The said logs are received by his letter No. ABT/3-46 dated 6.1.97. Therefore, I request you to kindly make an arrangement of payment of the same whose bill is annexed with it.";