( 1 ) SINCE these two writ petitions arise out of the judgment and order dated 8-12-2000 passed by the learned Special Judge, Merrut in Special Case No. 14/11 of 2001, they were heard analogously and are disposed of by this common judgment. The grievance of the petitioner is that the U. P. Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 (hereinafter referred to as the Act") is a draconian law with the aid of which and on the basis of a false and concocted report of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Meerut that the petitioner Badan Singh being a gangster acquired properties as a result of commission of several offences triable under the Act, the District Magistrate, Meerut attached the residential house as well as movable properties belonging to all the petitioners. Thereupon, on a reference being made, the learned Special Judge modified the order of the District Magistrate and released part of residential house and cash amounting to Rs. 78,573. 00 from attachment. Being aggrieved by the orders of the District Magistrate as well as the Special Judge, the petitioners have approached this Court by filing these two writ petitions under Article 226 of the Co