T. HAMSA vs STATE OF KERALA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, for possession of 1750 milligrams of brown sugar, affirming the sentence of 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1 lakh. The Court found that the police officer had substantially complied with the requirements of Section 50 of the NDPS Act, as the accused was given the option to be searched in the presence of a Gazetted Officer or Magistrate, which he declined. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the lower courts' findings on the legality of the search and seizure.