A. Lekshimikutty, J.

The petitions are filed by the Circle Inspector of Excise, Chittoor Range to quash the orders passed in Crl. M.Ps. 590/2000, 607/2000 and 589 of 2000 respectively in Crime No. 11/2000 of Chittoor Excise Range of the Court of Session, Palakkad and arrest the accused persons and commit them into custody. The respondent in Crl. M.C. No. 2504 of 2000 is the 16th accused, respondents in Crl. M.C. No. 2517 of 2000 are accused Nos. 6 to 15 and respondents in Crl. M.C. No. 2518 are accused Nos,1 to 5 in Crime No. 11 of 2000 of Chittoor Exchange Range.

2. The offences levelled against the respective respondents are punishable under Ss.55(a), 56, 57, 56(A) of the Abkari Act I of 1077.

3. The allegation against the accused persons is that they were found engaged in manufacturing artificial toddy in Building Nos. XI/174 and XI/175 of Nallappally Panchayat. On getting secret information regarding the manufacture of artificial toddy in the said buildings the Excise Inspector, Excise Enforcement and Anti Narcotic Special Squad, Thrissur and the police party under the Supervision of the Additional Superintendent of Police, Palakkad made a surprise raid at about 5 A.M.