PANNA RAM PAT RAM Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a rule directed against the State of the Punjab to show cause why the order of detention made on Nanu Bam the detenue dated 7-2-1953 be not set aside and why the detenue be not ordered to be released.

(2.) The order for detention of Nanu Ram was made on 7-2-1953 and the date of the grounds which are required to be given under the law is 10-2-1953. On 24-3-1953 Nanu Ram was arrested and the order for detention and the grounds therefor were served on him on that date. On 9-5-1953 the order of detention was confirmed by the Punjab State Government upto 23-3-1954.

(3.) The petitioner has made several allegations in his petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. The State has accused him of being a most dangerous character. It is stated in the grounds which are Annexure 'A' that there are two camps of Bishnois in village Sadalpur in the Police Station, Fatahabad, Mukh Ram being the leader of one and Chandu of the other, and Nanu Bam is stated to be a "confederate of Chandu in the commission of the murders and other heinous crimes" and the history of assassinations in this village extends over a period of a quarter of a century during which 12 murders have been committed. In paragraphs 2 to 12 particulars of various offences committed with which Nanu Ram had connection are given. In para. 13 it is stated that Nanu Ram and members of his party are still after the life of Mukh Ram. In para. 14 Nanu Ram is accused of being a desperate and dangerous character who was responsible for no less than five murders and that he was prosecuted in two cases under the Arms Act in which he was convicted. It was also stated: