JUDGMENT

S.B. Sinha. J. -This application for issuance of a writ of or in the nature of habeas corpus has been filed for quashing of an order of detention dated 16-6-1999 passed by the Joint Secretary to the Government of India. Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue in terms of provisions of Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. 1985 (hereinafter referred to for the sake of brevity as the said Act).

2. Before considering the matter on merit we may refer to the following chronological events.

3. The petitioner was arrested by the Detective Department. Calcutta Police on an allegation that he was carrying cash of Rs. 35,300/- in Case No. 18 dated 24-1-1997 under Sections 21/29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. 1985. The petitioner was granted bail on 8-8-1997. According to the petitioner he and his wife were arrested from their house at Dum Dum by the Narcotic Control Bureau on 8-11-1998 and as they were not produced before an appropriate Court, they filed two applications on 9-11-1998 and 11-11-1998 one before the learned 12th Additional District and Sessions Judge. Alipore and another before t