JUDGMENT :

M.W. Chandwani, J.

Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith. Heard finally by the consent of the learned Counsel for the parties.

2. The petition challenges the order of detention dated 26/04/2023 passed by the District Magistrate, Wardha – respondent No.2 under sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 3 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 (hereafter referred to as “MPDA Act” for short). The petitioner further lays challenge to the order dated 20/06/2023 passed by respondent No.1 under Section under Section 3 of the MPDA Act confirming the order dated 26/04/2023 of respondent No.2.

3. The background facts leading to this petition can be summarized as under :

A proposal was initiated for detention by invoking the provisions contained in Section 3(2) of the MPDA Act alleging, inter alia, that the petitioner was a habitual bootlegger. The petitioner habitually indulged in manufacturing, stocking, transporting and selling of illicit liquor in contravention of the provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act