MURUGAN Vs. SPECIAL COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) CHALLENGE in this Writ Petition is to the order dated 1 October 2007 on the file of the first respondent, confirming the order dated 23 May 2006 on the file of the District Collector/District Magistrate, Thoothukudi, whereby and whereunder the application submitted by the petitioner for grant of arms licence to possess pistol for self-protection was rejected. FACTS IN BRIEF:

(2.) THE petitioner was functioning as the President of Karungulam Panchayat. He was involved in a criminal case in Crime No.323 of 1995 on the file of the Murappanadu Police Station and he was acquitted as per judgment dated 04.04.2005. THE petitioner, having convinced that there was a threat to his life, filed an application for arms licence before the second respondent. THE application was forwarded to the Superintendent of Police and Revenue Divisional officer, Thoothukudi for their comments. THE Superintendent of Police was of the view that the petitioner was involved in a criminal case and as such, it was not advisable to grant arms licence to him. THE Revenue Divisional Officer submitted a report indicating that the petitioner need a weapon for self-protection in connection with his political activities. THE second respondent, after hearing the petitioner, rejected the application as per order dated 23.05.2006. THE said order was challenged before the first respondent. VIEWS OF THE APPELLATE AUTHORITY:

(3.) THE learned Government Advocate justified the order passed by the original authority as confirmed by the appellate authority. ANALYSIS: