NAVDEEP SINGH vs STATE OF HARYANA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, for possession of one kilogram of Charas without a permit. The Court ruled that the amended provisions of the Act, which reduce penalties for lesser quantities, do not apply retroactively as the conviction occurred prior to the amendment's effective date of 02.10.2001. Consequently, the appellant's appeal for sentence modification was dismissed, affirming the ten-year rigorous imprisonment and fine imposed by the Trial Court.