P SASIDHARAN ALIAS MANI Vs. ADDITIONAL DISTRICT MAGISTRATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Are Exts. P2 and P3 orders passed by the statutory authorities suspending the licence issued to the petitioner under the Explosives Act, 1884 (for short, the Act) legally valid and sustainable

(2.) The above question has arisen for consideration in this writ petition in the following facts and circumstances.

(3.) The petitioner was granted Ext.P1 licence by the competent authority in February 2002, to manufacture explosives. It is the admitted position that the said licence was renewed for a period of two years which was due to expire on March 31, 2004. On January 26, 2004 at about 3.30 PM. A massive explosion took place in the work site where the petitioner was engaged in manufacturing of explosives. Three persons lost their lives in the explosion. One of the victims was a 12 year old boy. Ponnani Police registered Crime No.34/2004 in this connection against the petitioner and two others for offences punishable under Sections 286 and 304 of the Indian Penal Code and also under Section 9(B)(1) of the Explosive Act and Section 6 of the Explosive substances Act, 1908.