Strict compliance with the mandatory provisions of Section 50 of the NDPS Act is required during search and seizure proceedings, and the double presumption of innocence applies in cases of acquittal.

JUDGMENT

Jitendra Chauhan, J. - CRM-38682-2019

2. For the reasons stated in the CRM application, the same is allowed and the delay of 80 days in filing the instant appeal is condoned.

Main case

3. Challenge is to the judgment dated 03.06.2019, passed by learned Juvenile Justice Board, Chandigarh (for short, 'the trial Court'), thereby, acquitting the accused-respondent in FIR No.152 dated 14.05.2018, registered under Section 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short, 'the NDPS Act'), at P.S. Sector 11, Chandigarh.

4. Brief facts of the case as noticed by learned trial Court in para No.2 of the impugned judgment, read thus:-

"2. Case of the prosecution in brief is that on 14.05.2018, ASI Sukhminder Singh along with Ct.Devinder, L/Ct. Renu was on patrolling duty near Dental Turn College, Sector 25, Chandigarh and at about 05:15 P.M., one girl namely Anjali came from the side of Sector-24/25, 37/38 chowk and was carrying a white cloth bag in her right hand. After seeing the police party, the girl turned back and started moving quickly, however, she was apprehended by ASI Sukhminder Singh with the help of L/Ct. Renu. On search of carry bag which she was carrying, 15 injections of Buprenorphine 2 ML each were recovered. The said girl was carrying the injections without any permit or license. Later on, the said girl disclosed her name as Anjali daughter of Babli. Thereafter, ASI Sukhminder Singh himself made the complaint regarding the same and took further action in the matter. Therefore, on this basis present FIR was registered. Investigation was commenced. Statements of witnesses were recorded. After completion of investigation, final report u/s 173 Cr.P.C was presented against the juvenile Anjali for commission of offence punishable under Section 22 of NDPS Act. "

5. Upon presentation of final report under Section 173 Cr.P.C, notice of accusation was served upon the accused, to which she pleaded not guilty and claimed inquiry.

6. In order to prove its case, the prosecution examined HC Jai Bhagwan as PW-1; Ct. Devinder as PW-2; ASI Sukhminder Singh, complainant and the first investigating officer as PW-3; Shalini Sharma as PW-4; Lady Constable Renu as PW-5; HC Shamsher Singh as PW-6; Constable Pardeep Kumar as PW-7; HC Yashpal as PW-8; SI Parkash Singh as PW-9; and SI Hari Om as PW-10.

7. When examined under Section 313 Cr.P.C, the juvenile denied all the incriminating evidence appearing against her and pleaded false implication. However, she did not lead any evidence in defence.

8. After hearing learned counsel for the parties and perusing the record, learned trial Court acquitted the juvenile of the notice of acquisition served upon her.

9. Hence, the instant appeal on behalf of the U.T. Administration.

10. It is contended that the mandatory provisions of Section 50 of the NDPS Act, were duly complied with. Further, all the prosecution witnesses have fully supported its case.

Heard.

11. In the instant case, the mandatory provisions of Section 50 of the NDPS Act have not been complied with. It has come on record that the personal search of the juvenile was conducted by Lady Constable Renu vide memo Ex.P4, though there was no recovery. On search of the box which was put in a carry bag, fifteen injections of Buprenorphine 2 ML each were recovered. Thus, when it is proved that the personal search of the juvenile was conducted, the police was required to comply with the provisions of Section 50 of the NDPS Act. She was not given an offer whether she wanted to be searched before a Gazetted Officer or a Magistrate. PW-10, SI Hari Om, Additional SHO, has testified that when he reached at the spot, the juvenile had already been searched and the parcels prepared. Further, the investigating officer did not record reasons for his belief which necessitated the search of the juvenile without producing her before the nearest Gazetted Officer or Magistrate and no such copy of reasons to belief was sent to the sup