Srinivasan, J.

This petition is in challenge of an order of detention made by the first respondent under Sec.3(1) of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Forest Offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders and Slum Grabbers Act, 1982 (Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982), familiarly known as the ‘Goondas Act’ in this part of the country (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Goonda Act’). By that order dated 29. 1992 in Memo No.243/ BDFGIS/92 the petitioner was declared to be a goonda within the meaning of the Goondas Act and that there was compelling necessity to detain him in order to prevent him from indulging in such activities which are prejudicial to the maintenance of public order under the said Act.

2. The material facts which are set out in the order of detention are as follows:

"On 11. 1992 at about 02.45 hrs. the Sub Inspector of Police N-3 Muthialpet police station along with his police party conducted vehicle check and noticed the petitioner along with his four associates transporting 55 bags of I.G. arrack sachets in a Matador van bearing No.TMA.7522 at the junction of West Kal-mandapam Road and Grace Garden, Royapu-ram, Madras