RIZWAN AHMAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition challenges the detention of the petitioner under Section 3(1) of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'). The incident involved the recovery of Foreign and Indian Currency equivalent to Indain Rs. 7,97,615.00 (Rupees seven lacs ninty seven thousand six hundred and fifteen only, from the search of the suit case of the petitioner.

(2.) Learned Counsel for the petitioner raised several grounds in support of the writ petition but has confined herself to the ground of delay in dealing with the representation of the petitioner.

(3.) During the course of hearing the Union of India was given an opportunity to file an additional affidavit to explain in detail the reasons for delay in disposing of the representation of the petitioner. Accordingly the respondents filed the additional affidavit on 30/11/1998 in which in paragraph 4 the following explanation for the delay, that we are concerned with, has been furnished :