Gujarat High Court Case Information System Print SCA/17270/2011 3/ 3 JUDGMENT IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD SPECIAL CIVIL [CASE NUMBER] For Approval and Signature: HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MD SHAH 1 Whether Reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment ? 2 To be referred to the Reporter or not ? 3 Whether their Lordships wish to see the fair copy of the judgment ? 4 Whether this case involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the [ACT] or any order made thereunder ? 5 Whether it is to be circulated to the civil judge ? [ENTITY] - Petitioner(s) Versus STATE OF GUJARAT THRO THE SECRETARY & 2 - Respondent(s) Appearance : MR [ENTITY] for Petitioner(s) : 1, MR [ENTITY], ASST. GOVERNMENT PLEADER for Respondent(s) : 1 - 3. RULE SERVED BY DS for Respondent(s) : 1 - 2. CORAM : HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MD SHAH Date : 12/01/2012 ORAL JUDGMENT
[1] This petition is directed against the order of detention dated 15.09.2011 passed by respondent No.2, in exercise of powers conferred under [SECTION] of the [ACT] (in short" the Act) by detaining the detenu as a "bootlegger" as defined under [SECTION] of the Act. Along with the order of detention, the petitioner is also served with the grounds of detention. In the grounds of detention, there is a reference to one criminal case pending against the petitioner. The case is registered under the provisions of the [ACT]. It is alleged that the petitioner is dealing in foreign liquor.
[2] Learned advocate for the detenu submits that registration of FIR itself cannot lead to disturbance of even tempo of public life and therefore the public order. The order of detention is assailed by the detenu on various grounds mentioned in the memo of the petition. However, learned counsel for the detenu submits that, except FIRs registered under the [ACT], there was no other material before the detaining authority whereby it could be inferred reasonably that the detenu is a 'bootlegger' within the meaning of [SECTION] of the Act and required to be detained as the detenu's activities are prejudicial to the maintenance of public health and public order. In support of the above submission, learned counsel for the detenu has placed reliance on judgment of the Apex Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] and the recent judgment dated 28.3.2011 passed by the Division Bench of this Court [Coram: [ENTITY] C.J. & [ENTITY], J].] in [CASE NUMBER] in [PRECEDENT]) which would squarely help the detenu.
[3] Learned Assistant Government Pleader submitted that registration of FIR would go to show that the detenu had, in fact, indulged into such activities, which can be said to be disturbing the public health and public order and in view of sufficient material before the detaining authority to pass the order of detention, no interference is called for by this Court in exercise of its power under [SECTION] of the [ACT].
[4] Having heard the rival submissions of the parties and perused the record of the case, I am of the view that FIRs registered under the [ACT] alone cannot be said to be sufficient enough to arrive at subjective satisfaction to the effect that the activities, as alleged, are prejudicial to the public order or lead to disturbance of public order. There has to be nexus and link for such activities with disturbance of the public order. On careful perusal of the material available on record and the ratio laid down by the Apex Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] (supra) and the recent judgment dated 28.3.2011 passed by the Division Bench of this Court [Coram: [ENTITY] C.J. & [ENTITY], J].] in [CASE NUMBER] in [PRECEDENT]), I am of the view that the activities of the detenu cannot be said to be in any manner prejudicial to the public order and therefore, the order of detention passed by the detaining authority cannot be sustained and is required to be quashed and set aside.
[5] In the result, this Special Civil Application is allowed. The order of detention dated 15.09.2011 (actual date of detention is 29.09.2011) is hereby quashed and set aside. The detenu, is ordered to be set at liberty forthwith if the detenu is not required in connection with any other case. Rule is made absolute to the aforesaid extent. Direct service is permitted.
[[ENTITY], J.] satish