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2025 Supreme(Guj) 1801

IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD
J. C. DOSHI
Imran Rais Ahmed Musha Ittwala – Appellant
Versus
State Of Gujarat – Respondent


Advocates:
Advocate Appeared:For the Respondent:Mr Vo Joshi For the Respondent: Mr Chintan H. Dave, APP

Judgement Key Points

Key Points: - The judgment discusses whether Kamini Vidravan Ras containing opium derivatives falls under NDPS Act Section 8(c) and its exceptions, citing Mayank Girishbhai Shah and Director of Revenue Intelligence rulings. (!) (!) (!) - It analyzes the object and scope of NDPS Act and NDPS Rules, particularly the interplay between Section 8(c), Schedule I substances, and Chapter VIIA/licensing regimes, including Rule 53, Rule 64, and Chapter VIIA developments. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) - The court emphasizes that Section 8( c) prohibition is to be read with the exception that dealing must be for medical/scientific purposes and strictly in accordance with the Act, Rules, and licensing conditions; mere medical/scientific potential is insufficient. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) - It overrules earlier Rajesh Kumar Gupta interpretation, aligning with Sanjeev V. Deshpande, and clarifies that Rules 53 and 64 are enabling provisions, not independent sources of prohibition. (!) (!) (!) (!) - The High Court exercises inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 sparingly, at rarest of rare cases, and should avoid interfering with ongoing investigations at nascent stages unless substantial grounds exist. (!) (!) (!) - The court notes that the petitioner residing abroad/importing/exporting without license, and the ongoing investigation reveal commercial quantities and international export via Hajmola label, leading to no relief for quashing at this stage. (!) (!) (!) - It ultimately disposes of the petition, denying quashment and vacating interim relief, while stating the standard cautions from Neeharika and Bhajan Lal/Kapur lines. (!) (!) (!)

What is the scope and application of Section 8 (c) of the NDPS Act in relation to Kamini Vidravan Ras and whether its sale, export, or possession constitutes an offence?

What are the conditions under which the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court to quash an FIR under Section 482 Cr.P.C. can be exercised in NDPS cases at the nascent stage of investigation?

What principles govern whether an interim stay of investigation or non-coercive steps should be granted in NDPS cases during a 482 petition?


Table of Content
1. petition for quashing fir (Para 1)
2. facts of drug seizure and accusation (Para 2)
3. petitioner's arguments against fir (Para 3)
4. state's arguments supporting fir validity (Para 4)
5. court's sustaining observations on fir validity (Para 5)
6. court declines to quash fir (Para 6)

JUDGMENT :

J. C. DOSHI, J.

1. By way of this petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as “the Code”), the petitioner prays for following reliefs:-

“6.(a) Admit allow this Criminal Miscellaneous Application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 ;

(b) Quash and set aside the FIR No. II.CR. No. 33 of 2018 registered with Bharuch Rural Police Station Junagadh for the offence under Section 8 (c), 18(c), 20(c), 21(c), 22(c), 23(c), 25, 29 and 60(1), (2), (3) of the N.D.P.S. Act and the subsequent proceedings.

(c) Stay the investigation initiated on the basis of the FIR till the disposal of this Criminal Misc. Application.

(d) Pass any other and further order as this Hon'ble Court may deem just, fit and proper in the interest of Justice.”

2. The brief facts of the case are as under:-

2.1 That, on 16.09.2018, Bharuch Police recei

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