In Brief
The Supreme Court dismissed a criminal appeal against conviction for possession of opium under the NDPS Act. The appellant contended that the seizure was invalid because the witness disowned his signature, the case property seal was illegible, and there was non-compliance with Section 57 (48-hour reporting requirement). The Court held that Section 57 is directory, not mandatory, and that substantial compliance—sending relevant materials to the superior officer—cures technical delays. The witness's disavowal did not undermine corroborated seizure evidence, and minor seal defects did not vitiate proceedings. The conviction was upheld as legally sound.
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