( 1 ) AT the request and with the consent of the learned Advocates appearing on behalf of the petitioners, the learned A. P. Ps. appearing on behalf of the State Authority and the learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the union of India and the Competent Authority, these 7 petitions arising under art. 226 of the Constitution of India, presenting similar questions of facts and law, have been taken for hearing together and they shall be decided and disposed of by this common judgment.

( 2 ) THE following Table shows the Special Criminal Application Numbers, the name of the petitioners, the name of the detenues and the date of the notice under the relevant provisions of Smugglers and Foreign Exchange manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (hereinafter referred to as safema, 1976) : sr. No. Spl. Cri. Appli No. Petitioners Detenu Date of Notice under safema 1976 1. 289 of 1990 Niranjan D. Chokshi N. D Chokshi 30/07/1977 smt. Surekha n. Chokshi 2. 704 of 1990 Sureshchandra S. G. Chokshi 28/07/1987 g. Chokshi smt. Dhangauri g. Chokshi 3. 723 of 1990 Laxmanbhai @ Laxmanbhai @ Oct. 24, 1977 lallubhai Govindbhai Lallubhai govindbhai 4. 377 of 1991 Suresh Thakorebhai Suresh