In The Matter Of: Ahmed vs State Of Gujarat

The Supreme Court held that the provisions of Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, must be complied with regardless of whether the search is conducted by a Gazetted Officer or an authorized officer. The Court found that the accused's request to be taken to a Magistrate for a search was not honored, constituting a violation of his rights under Section 50. Consequently, the Court set aside the conviction under Section 20-B(2) of the Act, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to procedural safeguards in narcotics cases.