The writ petitioner is the father of Zamkhochinthang alias Thathang who was detained under section 3 (1) of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1988 (herein­after'the Act') on 30.6.1990 in pursuance of the order dated 18.6.1990 of the Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, Imphal. By this writ petition the validity of the aforesaid detention older is challenged.

Heard Mr. N. Kumarjit Singh, learned counsel for the petitioner. The detention order has been challenged mainly on two grounds. First, that the grounds of detention and documents were furnished to the detenu in English and not in Manipuri language. His contention is that the detenu had read only upto Class I and he cannot read and write English. Secondly, there was unreasonable delay in disposal of the representation filed by the detenu. The time taken in disposal of the representation, according to the learned counsel, is 40 days. It is submitted that such a long delay is most unreasonable and cannot be justified on any count. The continued detention under the circumstances, it is contended, is illegal.

Mr. K. Irabot Singh, learned Government Advocate submit