( 1 ) IN this writ application under Art. 226 of the Constitution the petitioner has challenged the order of detention dated 14th November, 1986 passed under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as COFEPOSA ). This application was moved on February 13, 1987, affirmed by the wife of the petitioner as the petitioner was at the material time in USA in connection with his export business pursuant to the leave granted by the Karnataka High Court.

( 2 ) UPON the said application being moved an interim order was made on 19th February, 1987 restraining respondents from giving any effect to or taking any steps in pursuance of the said order of detention dated 14th November, 1986. It may be mentioned that in spite of notice of the application served upon Deputy Director of Enforcement, no one put in appearance for the Deputy Director or for any of the respondents. On 23rd February, 1987 a further order was made giving liberty to the petitioner to incorporate the date and number of the order passed under COFEPOSA Act. Earlier direction made that the petitioner should not leave West Bengal withou