U NALINI BAI Vs. SUB DIVISIONAL MAGISTRATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Karnataka Debt Relief Act, 1976 which followed the ordinance prior to the Act coming into force was enacted by the State with the sole object of extending the relief to a class of debtors. Unfortunately, instead of getting the relief, it has only resulted in harassment and victimization of such debtors. This writ petition is one such classical case of harassment of the debtor who figures as second respondent in this writ petition.

(2.) PETITIONERS have called in question the legality of the order dated 27-11-2006 passed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mangalore Sub-Division, Mangalore (copy at Annexure - J) acting under the provisions of the Karnataka Debt Relief Act, 1976 (for short 'the Act') directing the first petitioner to produce before the authority within ten days from the date of the order thirteen items of gold jewellery said to have been restored in favour of the first petitioner by the authority, pending proceedings under the Act.

(3.) SRI . Manjunath, learned counsel for the petitioners has sought for quashing of this order and for directions to the authority to dispose of the matter at the earliest.