MUTHU PILLAI Vs. EMPEROR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Sub-Divisional Magisate of Sattur passed an order requring the petitioners, six in number, to show cause why they should not be made to execute bonds for good behaviour as he had information that each of them "is so desperate and dangerous as to render his being at large without security hazardous to the community" - see Section no, Clause (f) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

(2.) After taking evidence he passed bis final order directing them to give security. This is a petition against that order. The main contention is that there is no legal evidence on which the order can be sustained.

(3.) All the prosecution witnesses except the first two and the fourth give evidence of accused being habitual offenders by repute-The first two speak to an assault by some of the accused for which there were tried and acquitted The fourth witness speaks to another assault, but the Magistrate thinks, and I agree with him, that he cannot be believed without corroboration which is not forthcoming.