V.K. Tahilramani, J.

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned APP for the State.

2. The petitioner/detenu Ramesh Balu Chavan has preferred this petition questioning the preventive detention order passed against him on 22.11.2016 by respondent No. 1 - the Commissioner of Police, Solapur. The said detention order has been passed in exercise of the powers under Section 3(2) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Dangerous Persons, Video Pirates, Sand Smugglers and persons engaged in Black-marketing of Essential Commodities Act, 1981 (No. LV of 1981) (Amendment - 1996, 2009 & 2015) (hereinafter referred to as the "MPDA Act"). The said order has been passed as the detenu is a bootlegger whose activities are prejudicial to the maintenance of public order and public health. The said detention order is based on three C.Rs. and two in-camera statements of witness "A" and witness "B". The three C.Rs. are 245/2016, 257/2016 and 276/2016 of Jodbhavi Peth Police Station, Solapur. The order of detention, grounds of detention along with accompanying documents were served on the detenu on 22.11.2016.

3. Though a n