In Brief
The appellant was convicted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act for possession of 9.3 kg of cannabis recovered during a search on 28 May 2006. The Trial Court sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment and a fine. The High Court upheld the conviction. On appeal to the Supreme Court, the appellant challenged the search procedure, citing non-compliance with Sections 42 and 50 of the NDPS Act. The Court rejected this, finding that the recovery occurred in a public place (Section 43) and a gazetted officer was present (satisfying Section 50). Minor discrepancies in witness statements were deemed immaterial given the substantial quantity recovered. The appeal was dismissed and the conviction upheld."
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