The High Court in Seremban today overturned a three-day remand order obtained by the police against 28 settlers from Kampung Gatco, Bahau.

The group's lawyer, M Siveram, said High Court judge Siti Mariam Othman told both parties in chambers that she was concerned over the health of the detainees, many of whom are senior citizens.

"She also said that the grounds for the remand application by the police were insufficient," Siveram told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, a magistrate had granted the police the three-day remand order, which PSM central committee member S Arutchelvan told Malaysiakini was ludicrous because the alleged offence was a minor one.

He said Justice Siti Mariam became rather irate after sighting the 13 female detainees - mostly senior citizens - being handcuffed to one another this morning.

"The court proceedings today ended quite swiftly. Even we were surprised," said Arutchelvan, whose party has been aiding Kampung Gatco folk for several years.

The 28 were detained on Tuesday, after allegedly blocking several trucks from leaving the area with lumber.

They argued that the removal of the logs was illegal as there was a suit pending against the new landowners of Kampung Gatco.

However, the police investigated the group under Section 339 of the Penal Code for obstruction and wrongful restraint. If convicted, the 28 can be fined up to RM1,000, jailed up to a month, or both.

The long-drawn tussle over Kampung Gatco began in 2006, after the land it is located on was sold to Thamarai Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The land was originally owned by the Negri Sembilan State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which leased it to The Great Alonioners Trading Corpora­tion Berhad (Gatco).