Judgment

SARKARIA, J.:- Dulal Roy, the petitioner challenges the order, dated August , 21, 1972, of his detention made by the District Magistrate, Burdwan under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971 (hereinafter called the Act). The order states that it is necessary to detain him with a view to preventing him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.

2. The grounds of detention communicated to the detenu run as under;

"1. On 21-7-72 at 1 a.m. you with your associates Kartick Karmaker and others committed theft of Electric wire from Tower Nos. 23 and 24 situated near Dhangachha village and by such act you caused stoppage of electric supply which is essential for maintenance of supplies and services to the community, in Memari area and its vicinity.

2. On 29-7-72 at 2 a.m. you with your associates committed theft of Tower Members from Tower Nos. 246, 247, 248 situated on the field near Dewandighi, P. S. Burdwan and by commission of such theft the towers were likely to fall resulting in stoppage of supply of electricity which is essential for maintenance of supplies and services to the community, in