RAMA DEVCHAND KUMBHALKAR Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Anand S. Deshpande, learned Counsel for the petitioner and Mr. S.S. Doifode, learned A.P.P. for respondent Nos.1 to 5.

(2.) The petitioner has preferred this petition questioning the preventive detention order passed against him on 2/12/2023 by respondent no.2 under the provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug-Offenders, Dangerous Persons, Video Pirates, Sand Smugglers and Persons Engaged in Black-Marketing of Essential Commodities Act, 1981 (for short "MPDA Act"). The said detention order has been issued as, according to the Detaining Authority, the detenue is a bootlegger whose activities are prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. The detention order is based on one crime i.e. Crime No. 547/2023 registered with Ramtek Police Station for the offence punishable under Sec. 65(f) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act and two in-camera statements of confidential witnesses, 'A' and 'B'.

(3.) Though number of grounds have been raised in the present petition whereby the detention order has been assailed, however, the learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner has pressed few grounds into service as below: