UNION OF INDIA vs MOHANLAL

The Supreme Court addressed the inadequacies in the procedure for the seizure, storage, and disposal of narcotics as per Standing Order No.1 of 1989 and a Circular from the Ministry of Finance. The Court found that the existing procedures were not being followed, leading to significant accumulation of seized narcotics, which posed a risk of pilferage and re-circulation in the market. Consequently, the Court directed the collection of detailed information from state authorities regarding the management of seized contraband, emphasizing the need for judicial supervision to mitigate the drug abuse crisis.