The Court addresses the timing and procedure for considering firearm return petitions in relation to elections.

JUDGMENT

The petitioners have surrendered their firearms on being required to do so, in view of the upcoming elections to the Legislative Assembly. The Election Commission has already notified the election and hence the prayer for return of firearms cannot be considered at this stage. The petitioners have preferred representations before the 4^th and 6^th respondents, being the Chairman of the Screening Committee and seek an early disposal of the same. Ext.P5 is the receipt evidencing the fact that representations have been filed.

In the above circumstances, this writ petition is dispose of, directing the respondents 4 and 6 to consider and dispose of the representations submitted by the petitioners at the earliest, at any rate, within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.