Interim protection against coercive action granted pending Magistrate's consideration, with liberty to file a proper application and obtain a reasoned order.

Interim protection against coercive action was granted while the applicants' application remained pending before the Magistrate, with the restraint to operate for a limited period or until disposal of that application, whichever was earlier. The applicants were also given liberty to file a proper application, and the Magistrate was directed to consider all facts and circumstances and pass a reasoned order expeditiously, preferably within two months, if no legal impediment existed. The proceeding was accordingly disposed of with interim protection and directions for prompt consideration at the court below.

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Issues: (i) whether the applicants were entitled to protection against coercive action pending consideration of their application before the Magistrate; (ii) whether liberty should be granted to file a proper application for a reasoned order.

Issue (i): Whether the applicants were entitled to protection against coercive action pending consideration of their application before the Magistrate.

Analysis: The application was disposed of with a direction that for a limited period, or until disposal of the applicants' application, whichever was earlier, no coercive action would be taken. This granted immediate interim protection while the matter was to be considered by the court below.

Conclusion: This issue was answered in favour of the applicants.

Issue (ii): Whether liberty should be granted to file a proper application for a reasoned order.

Analysis: The applicants were permitted to move a proper application before the Magistrate, who was directed to consider all facts and circumstances and pass a reasoned order expeditiously, preferably within two months, if no other legal impediment existed.

Conclusion: This issue was answered in favour of the applicants.

Final Conclusion: The proceeding was disposed of with interim protection to the applicants and a direction for expeditious consideration of their application by the Magistrate.

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