JUDGMENT

Jaspal Singh, J. - Two questions need to be answered. They are:-

1. Weather under Section 17(3) of the Arms Act there is power to suspend an arms licence pending enquiry into its revocation?

2. Whether the notice given to the petitioner under section 17(3) of the Arms Act is valid?"

First the facts.

On March 24, 1984 the petitioner was granted arms licence by the Licensing Authority. The same was renewed from time to time and, at present, it stands renewed till February 23,1993. On July 7, 1991 a case was registered against the petitioner and others under sections 147/148/149/323 of the Penal Code. Admittedly, a cross case bearing F.I.R. No. 202/91 was also registered against the opposite party. On March 27, 1992 the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Licensing) Delhi issued an "Order cum Show-Cause Notice" suspending the arms licence "with immediate effect" and directing the petitioner to show cause why his arms licence be not cancelled.

2. Since the "Order cum Show Cause Notice" referred to above is at the Centre storm, I would like to reproduce the same. It runs as follows:

"Order Cum Show Cause Notice"

Whereas, Shri Sheru s/o Shri Suban r/o village Chandan Holla, P