In Brief
The Supreme Court held that possession of manufactured narcotic drugs in bulk quantities without valid authorization violates the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, not merely the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Court clarified that the NDPS Act operates concurrently with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and is not derogated by it. Section 8 of the NDPS Act prohibits possession of narcotic substances except for medical or scientific purposes under authorized conditions. The High Court erred in suspending the sentences of accused-respondents on the ground that such offences should be tried only under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The Court set aside the High Court's order and allowed the State's appeals, directing the accused-respondents back into custody.
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