The Supreme Court has observed that Executive Magistrate is empowered under Chapter VIII of Cr.P.C. to issue an order of detention on breach of bond given for good behaviour.

The Bench comprising of Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice J.K. Maheshwari observed that the Legislature introduced the said Chapter conferring powers on the authorities to take action for violation of peace and tranquility in public order by the citizens.

The appellant herein was indulged in criminal activities. The Second Class Executive Magistrate after notice and affording opportunity, passed an order u/s 117 r/w Section 110(e) CrPC, 1973. In compliance the appellant executed a bond for maintaining good behavior and peace for a period of one year and also undertook to pay Rs. 50,000/­ as penalty to the Government in case of breach or else face the proceedings under Section 122(1)(b) Cr.P.C.

Even on execution of bond, he was found involved in an offence of commission of murder. The Second Class Executive Magistrate found him guilty for breach of bond however, ordered his arrest and sent him to the custody.

High Court has affirmed the order, therefore present appeal.

Learned Counsel for Appellant submitted that the orders were passed without following the procedure prescribed and affording reasonable opportunity. He  strenuously urged that the orders passed
by the administrative authorities usually do not follow the procedure prescribed and afford reasonable opportunity. He cited Delhi HC judgements to butress his submission wherein the Courts have expressed concerns about Executive Magistrate's exercising power in a cavalier manner.

On the other hand, Learned Counsel for the respondents contended that eight criminal cases were pending against the appellant, therefore bond of good behaviour was taken in exercise of the power under Section 117 Cr.P.C. asking security. On violation of the saibond, by virtue of the powers conferred under Section 122(1)(b) Cr.P.C., the order impugned has rightly been passed.

It was urged that Chapter VIII of Cr.P.C. confer powers to the Executive Magistrate for taking bond to keep the peace and security for good behaviour from the suspected persons.

Supreme Court's Observation

Upon hearing both the parties, the Court at the outset that eight criminal cases were registered against the appellant, including of simple and  grievous hurt, theft and also under the Arms Act.

The Court accepted the contention of the Responent that Chapter VIII of Cr.P.C. confer powers to the Executive Magistrate for taking bond to keep the peace and security for good behaviour from the suspected persons.

"As per Section 107  Cr.P.C, on receiving  the  information, that any person is likely to commit a breach of peace or disturb the public tranquility or to do any wrongful act, the Executive Magistrate may have power to show cause on violation of the terms of the bond so executed for maintaining peace."
"As per Section 108 of Cr.P.C., similar power has been given for maintaining the security for good behaviour from persons disseminating seditious matters. Similarly, to take security for good behaviour from suspected persons and habitual offenders, powers under Sections 109 and 110 Cr.P.C. have been conferred upon the Executive Magistrate."

The Court noted that in the present case, the order was passed under Sections 111 and 117 Cr.P.C. for security and on violation, recourse, specified under Section 122  Cr.P.C. is permissible.

"Therefore, the Legislature introduced the said Chapter conferring powers on  the authorities to take action for violation of peace and tranquility in public order by the citizens of the locality, otherwise, by following the  procedure as prescribed, the action may be taken by the competent authority."

The Appeal was accordingly dismissed.

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Sheetal Joon