ZAKIR AMADBHAI DAL Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of this petition, the petitioner -detenue has challenged the order of detention passed by the District Magistrate, Jamnagar, dated 15th April 2014, in exercise of powers conferred on him under sub -section (1) of Section 3 of the Gujarat Prevention of Anti -Social Activities Act, 1985 (for short, 'the PASA Act') and has also prayed for an order to set him free from detention.

(2.) The order of detention along with the grounds supplied to the detenue are suggestive of the fact that the petitioner has been detained labelling him as a "dangerous person" as provided under sub -section (2) of Section 3 of the PASA Act. The grounds of detention are also suggestive of the fact that the detaining authority has taken into consideration two cases registered with the City B -Division Police Station vide II -CR No.179 of 2014 for the offence punishable under Section 25(1B)A of the Arms Act, and II -CR No.180 of 2014 for the offence punishable under Section 25(1B)A of the Arms Act. The status of both the F.I.Rs. has been shown as "pending police investigation". The subjective satisfaction as reflected from the grounds are to the effect that the detenue is habitually indulging in the offences falling within Chapter XVII of the Indian Penal Code. His highhanded actions create a situation of disturbance of public order. On these grounds, the District Magistrate has ordered detention of the petitioner.

(3.) Ms.Subadhra Patel, the learned advocate appearing for the detenue submitted that the order of detention is malicious, unjust and illegal. Learned counsel submitted that there is no material available with the detaining authority to indicate that the detenue is a dangerous person as defined under Section 2(c) of the PASA Act nor there is any material or antecedent to show that he is a habitual offender and involved in antisocial activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. It is his case that this order of detention is nothing but abuse of power at the hands of the District Magistrate.