The Prevention of Black marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 was enacted to provide for detention in certain cases for the purposes of prevention of black marketing and maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community and for matters connected therewith. The Act empowers the Central and State/UT Governments to detain persons whose activities are found to be prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community. Detention orders were made in 112 cases by the State Governments during the year 2003. The Central Government and the State Governments also have the power to modify or revoke the detention orders. The representations made by or on behalf of the persons ordered for detention are considered and decided by the Central Government. Ninety five such representations were considered and decided during the year 2003.