Granting anticipatory bail in a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is a “very serious” issue and “unheard of”, the Supreme Court said Today (Sept 19). Bench was hearing a plea filed by an accused seeking regular bail in a case lodged for alleged offences under provisions of NDPS Act in Bengal. Court directed the WB govt to consider whether the state proposes to file an application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to four accused in a case.
The Allahabad High Court expressed concern over delays in releasing seized vehicles in Uttar Pradesh, noting 10-15 daily applications for release. Despite Supreme Court guidelines, vehicles remain neglected. The Court ordered a report from District Judges and suggested a web portal for vehicle details. It warned of the risks of improper releases and set a further hearing for September 18.
The Uttarakhand High Court warned of hostile forces waging a “war of drugs” to fragment India. It criticized unprofessional investigations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and stressed the need for better training for police personnel. The Court also granted bail to an appellant, emphasizing the importance of meticulous drug-related case investigations.
The Bombay High Court ruled that mere association with Dawood Ibrahim does not automatically constitute membership in a terrorist gang under the UAPA. The court clarified the distinction between individual activities and those of a terrorist gang, granting bail to the accused due to insufficient evidence linking them to alleged offenses.
Mohsin Ibrahim Sayyed, convicted for ISIS recruitment and plotting an attack, had his plea rejected by the Delhi High Court. His request for concurrent sentencing of his Delhi and Mumbai cases was dismissed, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. The court highlighted the need for stringent action against terrorism, supporting national security.
On Wednesday (10th April): The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court that it will temporarily suspend the trial of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a 2015 drug case. Khaira filed a plea challenging his arrest, which was initially deemed lawful. The court adjourned the matter for four weeks, with the government assuring that the trial will not proceed until the next hearing.
The Supreme Court has permitted the NIA to transfer a heroin smuggling case from Hoshiarpur to a special NIA court in Ahmedabad linked to the Mundra port drug haul. The NIA argued that consolidating the cases would streamline the trial process. This decision comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the probe to the NIA.
A New Delhi court criticized the handling of a narcotics seizure case, calling for action against a police officer who targeted minor offenders while allowing the main supplier to escape. The court expressed concern over the promotion of criminal activities and demanded an action report within one month from the Special Commissioner of Police.
The Gautam Buddh Nagar court granted bail to YouTuber Elvish Yadav on March 22nd, following allegations of involvement in a drug-related controversy and a raid by Noida Police based on a complaint from People For Animals (PFA). Despite the bail, his release from Luksar Jail in Greater Noida may face delays. Yadav faces severe charges under several acts.