LALZAWMLIANI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Lalfakawma, learned counsel for the petitioners in all the cases. Ms. Zairemsangpuii, learned CGC appears for the respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 8. Mrs. Dorothty Lalrinchhani for respondent No. 4 and Mr. C. Zoramchhana, the Addl. Advocate General, Mizoram for respondent Nos. 5 & 6 in WP(C) No. 6/2020 and WP(C) No. 7/2020. Ms. Zairemsangpuii appears for respondents Nos. 1 to 4 in WP(C) No. 11/2020 and WP (C) No. 12/2020.

(2.) These four cases are being disposed of by a common order inasmuch as, the issues in all the cases are similar. After hearing the learned counsels for the parties for some length, this Court is of the view that the Assistant Commissioner, Customs Division, Aizawl has to be impleaded as a party in WP (C) No. 11/2020 and WP(C) No. 12/2020. Accordingly, on the oral prayer made by the petitioners' counsel, the Assistant Commissioner, Customs Division, Aizawl is impleaded as respondent No. 5 in WP(C) No. 11/2020 and WP(C) No. 12/2020. Registry shall make necessary correction to the Cause Title in WP(C) Nos. 11/2020 and 12/2020.

(3.) The petitioners' grievance in all the writ petitions is with regard to the detention of areca nuts (betel nuts)/ black pepper at the outskirts of Aizawl (Zemabawk), Dulte village, Khawzawl district and Vaphai village, by the Assam Rifles, which were being transported by Trucks from Champhai to Aizawl, Bilkhawthlir, Kalain and Silchar.