RAJENDER SINGH vs STATE OF HARYANA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, for possession of opium, affirming that the trial court had complied with the necessary procedural requirements under Sections 42, 52, 55, and 57 of the Act. The Court noted that the absence of independent witnesses did not invalidate the prosecution's case, as efforts were made to involve them. The appellant's previous conviction was also considered, leading to a sentence of 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2,00,000, which was confirmed by the High Court.