G. Srinivas Goud vs State Of A.P

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellants under Section 22 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, affirming the ten-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a fine of one lakh rupees each. The Court found that the non-association of independent witnesses and non-compliance with Section 42 of the NDPS Act did not undermine the validity of the search and seizure, as the panchnama was duly executed and signed by independent witnesses. The Court emphasized the sufficiency of evidence presented, including the chemical examination confirming the substance as Diazepam.