JUDGMENT V. Dhanapalan, J. 1. The petitioner is the friend of the detenu. The detenu has been branded as a "Bootlegger" under the Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982 and detained under the order of the 2ndrespondent passed in C.O.C.No.61/2013, dated 05.11.2013. 2. The detenu came to adverse notice in the following cases: S.No. Police Station and Crime No. Sections of Law 1. Velippalayam Police Station Crime No.427/2012 4(1) (aaa) r/w 4(1-A) of TNP Act, 1937 2. Velippalayam Police Station Crime No.534/2012 4(1) (aaa) r/w 4(1-A) of TNP Act, 1937 3. Velippalayam Police Station Crime No.233/2013 4(1) (aaa) r/w 4(1-A) of TNP Act, 1937 4. Velippalayam Police Station Crime No.400/2013 4(1) (aa) of TNP Act, 1937 5. Velippalayam Police Station Crime No.439/2013 4(1) (aaa) r/w 4(1-A) of TNP Act, 1937 The ground case alleged against the detenu is one registered on 16.10.2013 by the Inspector of Police, Velippalayam Police Station in Crime No.667/2013 for offences under Sections 4(1)(i), 4 (1)(aaa) r/w 4(1-A) of TNP Act, 1937. Aggrieved against the same, the present petition has been filed. 3. Though the learned counsel for the petitioner raised several grounds to assail the impugned order of detention, he mainly focused his arguments on the question of delay in consideration of the petitioner's representation, which has not been properly explained by the respondents. Therefore, it would vitiate the rights guaranteed under Article 22(5) of the Constitution of India. 4. We have heard Mr.P.Govindarajan, learned Additional Public Prosecutor on the above point and perused the records. 5. On a perusal of the list informing the course of consideration of the petitioner's representation, it is seen that the Detention Order was passed on 05.11.2013; the petitioner made a representation to the detaining authority on 15.04.2014 and it was received by the competent authority on 22.04.2014; remarks were called on 23.04.2014 and only on 30.04.2014 remarks were received and file was submitted on 02.05.2014; the Deputy Secretary dealt with it on 02.05.2014; on 06.05.2014, the Minister (Electricity, Prohibition and Excise) dealt with it and rejected it on 08.05.2014 and the rejection letter was sent to the detenu on 09.05.2014. 6. Verification of the above dates and events would clearly show that there is unexplained delay of nearly five days i.e. between 23.04.2014, the date on which remarks were called for and 30.04.2014, the date on which remarks were received, excluding holidays. 6. Verification of the above dates and events would clearly show that there is unexplained delay of nearly five days i.e. between 23.04.2014, the date on which remarks were called for and 30.04.2014, the date on which remarks were received, excluding holidays. The said delay is not explained by the competent authority. Therefore, it is apparent that there has been an inordinate and unexplained delay in consideration of the petitioner's representation and the same contradicts the requirement of Article 22(5) of the Constitution of India and the consequence thereof is in infringement of the right of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. 7. Accordingly, the impugned detention order passed by the second respondent in C.O.C.No.61/2013 dated 05.11.2013is hereby quashed and the Habeas Corpus Petition is allowed. The detenu, namely Sivanpandiin this case is set at liberty forthwith, unless his custody is required in connection with any other case.