STATE OF HARYANA vs RANBIR @ RANA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, emphasizing the mandatory nature of Section 50 which requires that an accused must be informed of their right to be searched in the presence of a magistrate or a gazetted officer. The Court found that the High Court erred in its interpretation of compliance with Section 50, leading to the acquittal of the respondent. Consequently, the Supreme Court reversed the High Court's decision and reinstated the original conviction and sentence of 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1,00,000.