( 1 ) THESE two Writ petitions raise a common question and, therefors, they are disposed of by this judgment. Both the petitioners are seeking a writ of mandamus directing the Officers of the City Police not to open "rowdy Sheets" against them. The facts not in controversy lie in a narrow compass. Both the petitioners are involved in two crimes. The first one relates to an offence under Section 307, Indian Penal Code, in respect of which the crime was registered on 6-4-1987. The second crime was registered against them on 16-5-1987. Neither previous to 6-4-1987 nor subsequent to 16-5-1987, there were any allegations involving these two persons in any lawless activity. The Police opened Rowdy Sheets concerning both the petitioners.

( 2 ) POLICE Standing Order 742 which bears the heading rowdies reads : 742. (1) The following persons may be classified as rowdies and Rowdy sheets (Form 88) may be opened for them under the orders of the superintendent of Police or Sub Divisional Officer : (a) persons who habitually commit, attempt to commit or abet the commission of, offences involving a breach of peace ; (b) persons bound over under Sections 106 and 107 of the Code of C