1. These are three applications under S.491 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and S.104 of the State Constitution for issue of writs in the nature of Habeas Corpus directing the release from detention of the petitioners and shall be disposed of by this judgement as they raise common question.

2. The facts relevant for the purpose of these applications are : -
In petition No. 3 of 1968, the District Magistrate Jammu by his order dated 14-3-1967 passed under R.30(1)(b) of the Defence of India Rules read with Jammu and Kashmir Government Notification No. SRO - 149 dated 23-4-1965 directed the detention of the petitioner in the Central Jail, Jammu with a view to preventing him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the defence of India, the public safety and the maintenance of public order. The petitioner continued to be detained under the Defen