Y V HANUMANTHA RAO Vs. K R PATTABHIRAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have an application before us requesting to punish the respondents for contempt. It arises in the following circumstances.

(2.) The petitioner herein filed a Writ Petition No. 823 of 1973 on 6-2-1973, contending inter alia that during the recent agitation for a separate Andhra State, curfew was imposed in the Town of Vijayawada from 6-1-1973 to 10-1-1973 and later on from 21-1-1973 to 24-1-1973 at specified hours. He therefore alleged that the imposition of curfew was without the authority of law and that the District Magistrate, Krishna very arbitrarily, capriciously and without following the procedure of law ordered the imposition of curfew which has disastrous consequences. It was therefore prayed that a declaration be made that the orders of curfew on the above dates issued by the District Magistrate. Krishna are without the authority of law, illegal and unconstitutional.

(3.) Pending the writ petition, W. P. M. P. No. 1012 of 1973 for restraining the District Magistrate from imposing curfew was sought. This Court, however although admitted the writ petition for hearing, directed notice to be given, No interim direction, however, was issued.