UMMU SABEENA vs STATE OF KERALA .

The Supreme Court held that the delay by the Central Government in considering the detenus' representations under Article 22(5) of the Constitution was excessive and violated the procedural safeguards provided for in the COFEPOSA Act. The Court emphasized that timely disposal of representations is crucial to ensure the legality of detention orders. Consequently, the Court quashed the detention orders and directed the release of the detenus, finding that the delay of over two months was unjustifiable.