SC notices to TN on detention under Goondas Act

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the state of Tamil Nadu on a petition filed by one S. Muthulaxmi challenging the Madras high court order upholding the detention of her husband under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act.

A bench comprising Mr. Justices K G Balakrishnan and D K Jain made the notices returnable in four weeks.

The petitioner has challenged the detention of her bootlegger husband under the Act which provides that a man can be detained for one year without any provision for bail.

Such arrests are made only when the competent authority is satisfied that the man is a threat to the public peace and tranquility.

Muthulaxmi, namesake of the wife of slain sandalwood smuggler S.

Veerappan, has challenged the detention of her husband on the plea that he was not a habitual criminal and his detention under the Act was totally illegal.

UNI AKS/SC RP KN1932