STATE OF TRIPURA vs BINA CHOUDHARY .

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Gauhati High Court, affirming the trial court's decree for Rs.2,03,364/- with interest under the Indian Forest (Tripura Second Amendment) Act, 1986, specifically Section 52(A). The Court established that the owner of the vehicle, having pleaded guilty to the illegal carrying of timber, was entitled to compensation for the vehicle's non-return due to theft, which was not his fault. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the trial court's findings and the awarded compensation.