KENNETH JIDEOFOR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner has taken an exception to the order dated 23rd January, 2020 passed in exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (for short, "the said Act of 1988").

(2.) By the said order passed by Shri Ravi Pratap Singh, the Joint Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue (PITNDPS Unit), the petitioner was ordered to be preventively detained. The order was passed with a view to prevent the petitioner from engaging in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in future. On 7th February, 2020, the said order dated 23rd January, 2020 (for short, "the impugned order") was served upon the petitioner and the petitioner was detained. The present petition was filed on 24th February, 2020. Shri Ravi Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary to the Government of India, passed the impugned order in his capacity as the Specially Empowered Officer under the provisions of sub-Section (1) of Section 3 of the said Act of 1988.

(3.) The first respondent filed its statement of objections on 11th March, 2020. On 22nd April, 2020, the petitioner filed a memorandum raising additional grounds and a rejoinder. The petitioner also filed I.A. No.2 of 2020 setting out additional grounds of challenge. Additional statement of objections was filed by the first respondent dealing with the additional grounds.