GIRISH RAGHUNATH MEHTA vs INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 15 read with Section 8(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 for the illegal sale of 30 Kgs. of poppy straw without a valid license. The Court confirmed the sentence of four years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 20,000, emphasizing the necessity of compliance with licensing requirements under the Act. The judgment clarified that the appellant's actions constituted a clear violation of the statutory provisions aimed at regulating narcotic substances.