Sayed Abul Ala vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the appellant's detention under the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 was invalid due to the denial of his constitutional right to be represented before the Advisory Board, as established under Article 22(5) of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that the Advisory Board's failure to consider the appellant's representation in a timely manner constituted a violation of due process. Consequently, the Court quashed the order of detention dated 15th February, 2000, and directed his release.