A Ranchi court acquitted the key accused in a major narcotics case after police claimed nearly 200 kg of seized ganja worth Rs1 crore was destroyed by rats. The judge said this raised serious doubts about police handling overall.
The Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a taxi driver accused under the NDPS Act for transporting 20kg of ganja, highlighting procedural lapses and lack of evidence. The Court emphasized that taxi drivers are not obligated to verify passenger details and noted the contraband was in plain sight, not hidden. Acquitting the driver, the Bench stated, “No material links the appellant to the contraband,” discharging his bail bonds after seven years in prison.
The Bombay High Court granted six months’ bail to pregnant prisoner Surbhi Soni, citing the serious impact of childbirth in prison on both mother and child. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke emphasized prisoners’ dignity, allowing Soni to seek medical care outside. The court found no harm to the ongoing investigation in her release.
The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench ruled that ‘ganja’ under the NDPS Act refers only to the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant, excluding seeds and leaves. This clarification led to granting bail to Mohammad Jakir Nawab Ali, who was accused of possessing cannabis, due to evidence questioning the validity of the charges.
![[Derogatory Remarks on Women Police Officers] "Delays in The High Court Can't Be The Reason For Us to Intervene Here": CJI on 17 FIR's Against YouTuber Savukku Shankar](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-82-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 30th August, The Chief Justice of India is set to hear a case against YouTuber Savukku Shankar for making derogatory remarks about women police officers. Shankar faces multiple FIRs for his comments, leading to legal actions and repeated detentions. The Supreme Court has intervened, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual liberties and free speech against misuse of preventive detention laws.
![[NDPS Cases]"Bail May Be Granted for Ganja and Charas Cases, Not for Heroin": Supreme Court](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-46.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, 1st August, The Supreme Court ruled that bail may be granted in NDPS cases involving ganja and charas but not for those involving heroin due to its severe impact, particularly on the younger generation. An accused in a heroin case was denied bail despite advanced age and indirect possession. The court maintains a strict stance on heroin-related offenses.
Today, On 12th June, the Madras High Court set to hear the habeas corpus petition for YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s release. The court has allowed his mother to request the state government for his temporary medical release. The case has drawn attention due to conflicting opinions among judges and potential implications for free speech and civil liberties in India.