Authority directed to decide the NSA detainee’s pending representation on its merits within 15 days.

The petitioner challenged the Collector-cum-Detaining Authority’s order dated 31 July 2026, made under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980, directing his detention for three months.

He disputed the authority’s reliance on 14 criminal cases, stating that he had been acquitted in nine and that five remained pending.

The petitioner also stated that his representation dated 31 August 2026 to the Chief Secretary, Department of Home, remained undecided, and sought a direction for its determination.

The State submitted that the representation could be decided within 15 days if so directed.

1. Whether the pending representation dated 31 August 2026 should be directed to be considered and decided by the respondent authority.

2. Whether the Court should express an opinion on the merits of the detention order while disposing of the petition on the limited prayer concerning the representation.

Article 226 of the Constitution was invoked as the basis for the petitioner’s challenge.

Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, 1980, which empowers the competent authority to order detention on specified preventive grounds, was described in the judgment.

The Court’s operative direction required the representation to be considered and decided strictly in accordance with law, on its own merits, and after considering relevant facts and circumstances.

The Court confined its consideration to the petitioner’s stated limited prayer for a decision on the pending representation, which the State did not oppose and agreed could be decided within 15 days.

It therefore directed the authority to determine the representation on its merits and in accordance with law, without ruling on the petitioner’s challenge to the factual basis of detention.

The Court expressly stated that it had expressed no opinion on the merits of the case.

The Court directed that a certified copy be sent to the Chief Secretary, Department of Home, for information and compliance.