MAGAPU SATYANATYANA Vs. STATE OF A.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri S. V. Maruthi Sankar, learned counsel, representing Sri Venkat Challa, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, and Sri Kirthi Teja Kondaveeti, learned Government Pleader, attached to the Office of the Additional Advocate General, appearing for the State/respondents.

(2.) This writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed for writ of Habeas Corpus to set aside the Order of detention dtd. 3/5/2025 baring Ref.No.M1/521904/2025 passed by the 2nd respondent-The Collector & District Magistrate, East Godavari District with respect to the petitioner's wife Smt. Polisetti Laxmi (in short 'the detenue') and to set her free. During the pendency of the writ petition, the detention Order was confirmed by the State/1st respondent vide G.O.Rt.No.1206 dtd. 20/6/2025, served to the petitioner on 28/6/2025. By way of amendment, the petitioner has challenged the G.O.Rt.No.1206 dtd. 20/6/2025 as well.

(3.) By the detention Order, the detenue was detained on the ground that she is 'bootlegger' as defined under Sec. 2 (b) of the Andhra Pradesh Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug Offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders and Land Grabbers Act, 1986 (in short 'the Act 1986'), as she was repeatedly indulging in committing offenses of possession, supply and sale of illicitly distilled liquor in contravention of Sec. 7(B) read with Sec. 8 (B) of Andhra Pradesh Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2020 (in short 'the Act 2020') to prevent her from acting in any manner prejudicial to maintenance of public health and public order.