The Rajasthan High Court has rejected a police constable’s plea to quash an FIR filed against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The constable was accused of unlawfully retaining opium seized from an intercepted vehicle for four days before reporting it to the police station.

Justice Farjand Ali described the case as a “very unique instance of unlawful activities and exercise of power by members of the law enforcement authority.” He emphasized that possessing contraband, regardless of any license or authority, constitutes an offense under the NDPS Act. The court noted that the constable delayed reporting the seizure, which deviated from standard procedures and raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation.

The court concluded that the investigation provided sufficient grounds to proceed with the case, leading to the dismissal of the petition to quash the FIR. This decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when law enforcement officers are implicated.

Sources