JUDGMENT

P. K. GOSWAMI, J.:—The petitioner has been detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971 (briefly the Act), in order to prevent him from acting in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. The order was passed by the District Magistrate, Nadia, on 11-4-73. The ground on which the order was founded is as follows:-

1. "That on 16-2-73 in between 10.08 hours and 10.14 hours you alongwith your other associates being armed with gun and other weapons committed a dacoity in a 3rd class compartment of running train s. 110 Dn. between Habibpur R. S. and Lakinarayanpur junction Rly. St. in Ranaghat-Santipur section and snatched away cash of Rs. 30,000/- from Shri Ashutosh Pal of Calcutta causing bullet injuries to him and putting all passengers to fear of death. Your action caused confusion, panic and disturbed public order there. You have thus acted in manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.

2. The order was served upon the detenu who made a representation which was considered by the Government and rejected. We have been taken through the time schedule of various orders passed by the different authorities and we do not find