STATE OF ORISSA vs RAJENDRA TRIPATHY

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the High Court's decision to set aside the conviction of the respondents under Sections 18 and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The Court held that the prosecution failed to establish the chain of custody and the integrity of the evidence, leading to reasonable doubt regarding the possession of heroin. Consequently, the Court upheld the High Court's acquittal of the respondents, emphasizing the necessity of strict adherence to procedural safeguards in narcotics cases.