MAN SINGH & ANR. vs STATE OF M.P.

The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's dismissal of the appellant's appeal against conviction under Section 8/18(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, due to the absence of the appointed Legal Aid counsel. The Court emphasized that the High Court should have appointed another counsel or an Amicus Curiae given the seriousness of the offence. The matter was remitted for a fresh hearing, allowing the appeal.