A. Hariprasad, J.

Petitions filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. Petitioners in these cases stand charge-sheeted for offences punishable under Sections 7 & 8 of Kerala Gaming Act, 1960 in short 'the Act'). Questions of law arising in all cases being the same, all the petitions were heard together and disposed by this common order.

2. Allegations against the petitioners are as follows:

Crl. MC No. 3124/2011

Allegation in the FIR against the petitioners is that on 10/03/2011 while the police party was patrolling, they got reliable information that the petitioners were engaged in gaming in 'Fraser Hall Club'. The Detecting officer and party went to the place and found seven persons playing cards in violation of the provisions of the Act.

Crl. MC No. 3350/2011

Petitioners were found playing Rummy in a club by name 'Travancore Club' on 31/12/2010 at about 22 hours and an amount of Rs. 2,10,290/- was recovered from the place.

Crl. MC No. 4083/2011

On 22/08/2011 at 18.30 hours, petitioners/accused were found playing a game called "pannimari" in Room No. 101 of Plantation Valley Resort and an amount of Rs. 4,77,000/- was recovered from them. Prosecution contended that they have committed the afo