BHAGWATIBEN v. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

Shri Kamal Mehta, AGP for the respondents. -------------------------------------------------------------- CORAM : MR.JUSTICE N.N.MATHUR Date of decision: 06/11/96 ORAL JUDGEMENT (cid:9)Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By the impugned order dated 9th August 1996, the petitioner has been detained under the provisions of Gujarat Prevention of Anti Social Activities Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as "the PASA Act"). It is contended that simply because the petitioner is alleged to be a bootlegger, she cannot be detained under PASA Act, unless there is any material to show that his activities are likely to adversely affect the maintenance of public order. Learned counsel placed reliance on the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Piyush Kantilal Mehta v. Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad City and another, A.I.R. 1989 SC 491.

2.(cid:9)I have perused the material on record with the assistance of the learned counsel. There is no material on the record to show that the activities of the petitioner, as a bootlegger, had adversely affected or likely to affect adversely the maintenance of public order. Thus, the order of detention cannot be upheld. In the result the Special Civil Application is allowed. The order of detention dated 9th August 1996 is quashed and set aside. It is directed that the petitioner-detenu shall be released forthwith, if she is not required in any other case. Rule is made absolute. -oOo- karim*