Ramaswami, J. - (1.) In this case the petitioners have obtained a rule calling upon the respondent, viz., The State of West Bengal to show cause why a writ of habeas corpus should not be issued under Article 32 of the Constitution directing their release from detention under orders passed under Section 3(2) of the Preventive Detention Act, 1950 (Act IV of 1950), hereinafter called the Act.
(2.) Cause has been shown by Mr. Debabrata Mukherjee and Other Counsel on behalf of the respondent to whom notice of the rule was ordered to be given.
(3.) The case of the petitioners may be considered in the following three groups ; (1) Petitioners Nos. 3, 13, 14, 15, 16 17 and 18; (2) Petitioner No. 1; and (3) Petitioners Nos. 2, 5, 6 and 8.;