Holding

Section 8 of the NDPS Act applies to all psychotropic substances listed in the Act’s Schedule, irrespective of their presence in Schedule‑I of the Rules, and Rules 53 and 64 do not provide a source of prohibition.

Summary

The Supreme Court examined whether Section 8 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 applies to psychotropic substances that are listed in the Act’s Schedule but not in Schedule‑I of the NDPS Rules. It held that the prohibition in Section 8 is absolute and covers all such substances, and that Rules 53 and 64 of the NDPS Rules are not a source of authority for limiting that prohibition. The Court also clarified the ambit of Section 37, confirming that bail for offences under the NDPS Act is subject to the statutory conditions of giving the public prosecutor an opportunity to oppose and the court’s satisfaction of reasonable grounds that the accused is not guilty and unlikely to re‑offend. Consequently, the earlier High Court rulings that read Section 8 narrowly were overruled. All the appeals were disposed of and the matters were remitted to the respective High Courts for fresh orders in light of this judgment.

Issues considered

The scope of Section 8 of the NDPS Act with respect to psychotropic substances not mentioned in Schedule‑I of the NDPS Rules.
Whether Rules 53 and 64 of the NDPS Rules can limit or qualify the prohibition under Section 8.
The interpretation and application of Section 37 of the NDPS Act concerning bail for offences under the Act.

Legislation cited

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985s. 10, s. 22, s. 23, s. 24, s. 35, s. 37, s. 8, s. 80, s. 9

Subjects

NDPS ActSection 8psychotropic substancesSection 37bailRules 53Rule 64statutory interpretationprohibition

Judgment

• [20141 11 S.C.R. 981

UNION OF INDIA & ANOTHER A
v.
SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
(Criminal Appeal No. 660 of 2007)
AUGUST 12, 2014
B
[R.M. LODHA, CJI., J. CHELAMESWAR AND
. A.K. SIKRI, JJ.]

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
c
s. 8 - Applicability of - Held: s. 8 is applicable to all the
psychotropic substances which are mentioned in Schedule to
the Act but not in Schedule-I to the Rules framed under the
Act - Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules,
1985 - rr. 53 and 84. D
s. 37 - Ambit and Scope of - Discussed.

Disposing of the appeals and remitting the matters
to the respective High Courts, the Court
E
HELD: 1. It cannot be said that prohibition contained
u/s. 8 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Act, 1985 is not·attracted in respect to all those
psychotropic substances which find a mention in the
Schedule to the Act but not in Schedule-I to the Rules
F
framed under the Act. [Para 27] [994-E]

2. 53oth Rules 53 and 64 of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 are in the nature of
exception to the general scheme of Chapters VI and VII
respectively containing a list of .narcotic drugs and G
psychotropic substances which cannot be dealt in any
manner, notwithstanding the other provisions of these
two chapters. Neither Rule 53 nor Rule .64 is· a source of
authority for prohibiting the DEALING IN narcotic drugs
981 H
982 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•
A and psychotropic substances, the source is Section 8.
[Para 34] [999-H; 1000-A, BJ

State of Uttaranthal vs. Rajesh Kumar Gupta (2007) 1
SCC 355: 2006 (8) Suppl. SCR 843 - disapproved.
B . Union of India vs. Thamisharasi (1995) 4 SCC 190:
1995 (3) SCR 905 and Collector of Customs, New Delhi vs.
Ahmadalieva Nodira (2004) 3 SCC 549: 2004 (2)
SCR 1092- referred to.

c Case Law Reference:
1995 (3) SCR 905 referred to Para 17
'·
2004 (2) SCR 1092 referred to Para 17
2006 (8) Suppl. SCR 843 disapproved Para 34
D
CRIMINAL APPELLATEJURISDICTION: Criminal Appeal
, No. 660 of 2007.

From the Judgment & Order date 07.03.;1006 of the High
E Court of Judicature at Bombay in Criminal Appeal No. 4741
of 2005.
'
WITH ..

Crl. Appeal Nos. 848, 855 and 876 of 2011.
> '

F
Crl. Appeal Nos. 1711, 1713, 1710, 1712, 1714, 1715, 1716
and 1717 of 2014.
.
Pinky Anand, ASG, K. Radhakrishnan, K.T.S. Tulsi, R.
Basant, Binu Tamta, Sushma Manchanda, Sunita Sharma (for
G B.K. Prasad), Sudhir Pillania, Somvir Deswal, Pramit Saxena,
Vishwa Pal Singh, Somesh Chandra Jha, Amit Kumar, Rishi
Malhotra, Ravindra Keshavrao Adsure, Gaurav Bhargava, Niraj
Gupta, Sushi Karanjkar, Vinod N. Naik, K.N. Rai, B.K. Prasad,
Yash Pal Dhingra, Mukesh K. Giri, Jatinder Kumar Bhatia,
H Hemantika Wahi, Preeti Bhardwaj, Puja Singh, Shreekant N.
•• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE 983

Terdal, D. Mahesh Babu, Shankar Chillarge, Asha Gopalari A
Nair, Sonia S. Chillarge for the appearing parties.

The Judgment of the Court was deliv~red by

CHELAMESWAR, J. 1. Leave granted in the special
leave petitions.
B.
2. This batch of matters is listed pursuant to various orders
of this Court opining that these matters are required to be·
considered by a larger Bench.
c
3. The first of such orders is dated 20~h April, 2007 made
in Criminal Appeal No.644 of 2007. By the said order, leave
was granted in SLP (Crl.) No.4976 of 2006 .. The order reads
as follows:-

"Our attention has been invited by the learned counsel to D
two decisions of. this Court; namely, a decision cif 3-Judge
Bench in Collector of Customs. New Delhi vs. Ahmadalieva
Nodira (2004) 3 SCC 549 and subsequent decision of 2-
Judge Bench in State of Uttaranchal vs. Rajesh Kuamr
Gupta (2007) 1 sec 355. E

Reference was also made of Section 80 of the Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 which
reads as under:

"80. Application of the.Drugs and Cosmetics Act, F
1940 not barred. - The provisions of this Act or the
rules made thereunder shall be in addition to, and
not in derogation of, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
1940 (23 of 1940) or the rules made therellnder.
G
In our opinion, in view of the fact that the effect of Section
80 ·requires to be considered, we grant leave and direct
the Registry to place the papers before the Hon'ble the
Chief Justice for placing the matter before a 3-Judge
Bench. H
984 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•
A 4. Each of the remaining matters came to .be tagged on
to Criminal Appeal No. 644 of 2007 on the ground that the issue
involved in each of these cases is identical with the issue -
involved in Criminal Appeal No. 644 of 2007 .

• 5. All these cases pertain to prosecu.tion under the
8
provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). Each one of the
accused is alleged to _be in possession 'of some psychotropic
substance mentioned in the Schedule to the Act. Eventually, the
c question is whether persons accused of committing an offence
under the Act could be enlarged on bail_ ii) view of the
stipulations contained under Sec~ion 37 of the Act. In some of
these cases, bail was granted by the concerned High Court
and in some cases, bail was rejected. Aggrieved by such
orders, either the State or the accused preferred these appeals.
D
6. Section 37 1 of the A_ct stipulates that all the offences · •
punishable under the Act shall be cognizable. It further stipulates - . c
that:-

(1) persons accused of antoffence under Section 19,
E I '

1. Section 37 - Offences to be cognizable_ and non-bailable.-(1)
-_ Notwithstanding_ anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 (2 of 1974)
(a) every offence punishable under this_ Act shall be cognizable; ·
F (b) no person accused of an offence punishable for offences under section
19 or section 24 or section 27 A 'and also for offences involving commercial
quantity shall be released on bail or on his own bond unless '·'
' J . '
(i) the Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity to oppose the
application for such release, and·'
(ii) where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the court is
G satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not. _,,
guilty of such offence and that he is not likely to commit any offence while
on bail. ,~r
· I ~

(2) The limitations on granting of bail specified in clause (b) of sub-section'
(1) are in addition to the limitations under the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 (2of1974) or any other law for the time being in force, on granting of
H bail.]
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
· 985

· 24, 27A or persons accused of offences involved A ·
in "commercial quantity" 2 shall not be released on
bail, unless the public prosecutor is given an
opportunity to oppose the application for bail; -and

(2) more importantly that unless "the Court is satisfied 8
that there are reasonable grounds for believing" that
the accused is not guilty of such an offence. Further,
ttie Court is also required to be satisfied that such
a person is not likely to commit any offence while
on bail.
c
In other words, Section 37 departs from the long
established principle.of presumption of innocence in favour of
an accused person until proved otherwise.

7. To understand the exact legal qu;mdary involved in these D
matters, a brief survey of the relevant provisions of the Act and
also an understanding of the scheme of the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940 (hereinafter referred to as "the 1940 Act")
is necessary.

8. Prior to the Act, three colonial enactments to some E
extent dealt with the legislative subject matter of the Act. They
are Opium Act, 1857, The Opium Act, 1878 and the Dangerous
Drugs Act, 1930. Subsequently, various international treaties
and protocols etc. dealing with the menace of narcotic drugs
and psychotropic substances came into existence. India has F
been a party to those treaties and protocols etc. and incurred
several legal obligations thereunder. Parliament opined that the
existing enactments were inadequate to handle the hazard
projected by the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,
apart from the inadequacy of the existing law to enable India G
to comply with its international ·legal obligations. Hence, the Act
and all the three old Acts were repealed.

2. Section 2(viia): " Commercial .quantity", in relation to narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, means any quantity grater than the quantity
specified by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette. H
986 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•
9. The Act deals with narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances. ·soth the expressions are defined under the Act.
Section 2(xiv) defines "narcotic drug" as follows:-

""narcotic drug" means coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium,
poppy straw and includes all manufactured goods;"
B
10. The words "coca leaf', "cannabis", "opium", and "poppy '
straw" occurring in the definition of narcotic drug are themselves
defined under Sections 2 (vi), 2(iii), 2(xv) and 2(xviii)
respectively.
c
11. Section 8 prohibits the cultivation by any person of any
coca plant, opium poppy or cannabis plant and also prohibits
the gathering of any portion of coca plant. Ii further stipulates
that "no person shall produce, manufacture, possess, sell,
0 purchase, _transport, war!ilhouse, use, consume" or indulge in
either inter-state trade or international trade (all these prohibited
activities hereinafter collectively referred to.as "DEALING IN")
of any narcotic drug cir psychotropic substance. Section 8 itself
contains certain exceptions to the general prohibition as
E described above 3 . The details would be examined later.
3. Section 8. Prohibition of certain operations. -No person shall -
(a) cultivate any coca plant or gather any portion of coca plant; or
(b) cultivate the opium poppy or any cannabis plant; or.
(c) produce, manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, warehouse,
use, consume, import inter-State, export inter-State, import into India, export
F from India or tranship,any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance,
except for medical or scientific purposes and in the manner and to the
extent provided by the provisions of this Act or the rules or orders made
thereunder and in a case where· any such provision, imposes any
requirement by way of licence, permit or authorization also in accordance
with the terms and conditions of such licence, permit or authorization:
G Provided that, and subject to the other provisions of this Act and the rules
made thereunder, the prohibition against the cultivation of the cannabis
plant for the production of ganja or the production, possession, use,
consumption, purchase, sale, transport, warehousing, .import inter-State
and export inter-State of ganja for any purpose other than medical and .
scientific purpose shall -take effect only from the date which the Central
H ·Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf:
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
987

12. Sections 9 and 10 authorise the·Central Government A
and the concerned State Governments to make Rules
permitting and regulating the various aspects of prohibition
contained under Section 8.

13. Chapter IV of the Act contains various offences and B
lhe punishments for the said offences.

14. Since all the cases on hand are cases of prosecution
for some contravention of the Act in relation to psychotropic
substances, Sections 22 to 24 are relevant for our enquiry.
c
15. Section 22 4 prescribes the punishments for the
violation of various .activities prohibited under Section 8(c).
Depending upon the quantity of the psychotropic substance
involved in the case, the punishment prescribed also varies. If
the quantity is small, the punishment extends upto 6 months. D
The expression "small quantity" is defined under Section
2(xxiiia) 5 • If the quantity is less than "commercial quantity" as

4. 22. Punishment for contravention in relation to psychotropic substances.
-Whoever, in contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule or order E
made or condition of licence granted thereunder, manufactures, possesses,
sells, purchases, transports, imports inter- State, exports inter-state, or uses
any psychotropic substance shall be punishable, -
(a) where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both;
F
(b) where the contravention involves quantity lesser than commercial quantity
but greater than small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to ten years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees;
(c) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which
may extend to twenty years and shall also be lfable to fine which shall not G
be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment,
impose a fine exceeding two lakh rupees.
5. Section 2 (xxiiia): "small quantity", in relation to narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, means any quantity lesser than the quantity
specified by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
H
988 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•
A ·defined under Section 2(viia), but greater than the small
quantity, the punishment may extend upto 10 years of rigorous
imprisonment apart from fine. When the quantity exceeds the
commercial quantity, the punishment extends upto 20 years and
carries a fine upto 2 lakhs and for special reasons even more.
B · Section 236 prescribes the punishment for illegal import to India
or export out of India of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substance. Once again, the punishment varies depending upon
the quantity of the contraband involved in the offence.
Examination of the scope of Section 24 is not necessary in the
c context of the factual setting of the cases at hand.
16. Section 35 stipulates that in any prosecution for an
offence under the Act which requires a culpable mental state
of the accused, the court trying offence is mandated to aiisume
· the existence of such mental state, though it is open for the
D accused to prove that he had no such mental state. 7

6. Section 23. Punishment for illegal import in to India, export from India or
transshipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.-Whoever,
in contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule or order made or
condition of licence or permit granted or certificate or authorization issued
E thereunder, imports into India or exports from India or tranships any narcotic
drug. or psychotropic substance shall be punishment,-
. I
(a) where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which niay extend to six months, or with fine,
which may .extend to ten thousand rupees or. with both;
(b) where the contravention involves quantity lesser than commercial
F quantity but greater than small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which may extend to ten years, and with fine; which may extend to
one lakh rupees;
(c) where the contravention involves CDmmercial quantity, with rigorous
· imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which
may extend to twenty years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not
G be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment,
impose a fine exceeding two lakh rupees.
7. .Section 35. Presumption of culpable mental state.-(1) In any prosecution
for an offence under this Act which requires a culpable mental state of the
accused, the Court shall presume. the existence of such mental state but
H it shall be a defence for the accused to prove the fact that he had no such
• ·UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
•

989

17. The ambit and scope of section 37 was considered A
by this court in two earlier decisions in Union of India v.
Thamisharasi, (1995) 4 SCC 190 and Collector of
Customs, New Delhi v. Ahmadalieva Nodira, (2004) 3 SCC
549. The latter of the two judgments after taking note of the
earlier decision explained the context of section 37 as follows: B

"6. As observed by this Court in Union of India v.
Thamisharasi clause (b) of sub-section (1). of Section 37
imposes /imitations or:i granting of bail in addition to .
those provided under the Code. The two limitations are: C
(1) an opportunity to the Public Prosecutor to oppose the
bail application, and (2) satisfaction of the court that there
are reasonable grounds for believing that the accused is
not guilty of such offence and that he is not likely to
commit any offence while on bail.
D
7. The limitations on granting of bai! come in only when the
question .of granting bail arises on merits. Apart from the
grant of opportunity to the Public Prosecutor, the other twin
conditions which really have relevance so far as the present
accused-respondent is concerned, are: the satisfaction of E
the court that there are reasonable grounds for believing
that the accused is not guilty of the alleged offence and
that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.
The conditions are cumulative and not alternative. The
satisfaction contemplated regarding the accused being not F
guilty has to be based on rea_sonable grounds. The
expression "reasonable grounds" means something more
than prima facie grounds. It contemplates substantial

mental state with respect to the act charged as an offence in that G
prosecution.
Explanation.-ln this section "culpable mental staie" includes intention,
motive knowledge of a fact and belief in, or reason to believe, a fact.
(2) For the purpose of this section, a fact is said to be proved only when
· the court believes it to exist beyond a reasonable doubt and not merely
when its existence is established by a preponderance of probability. · H
990 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014) 11 S.C.R
•
A probable causes for believing that the accused is not guilty
of the alleged offence .. ."

18. Various sets of Rules were framed by the Government
of India in exercise of the pqwer conferred under Sections 9
B ·and 76 of the Act. Relevant for the purpose of our enquiry is
the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules, 1985
(hereinafter referred to as "the Hiss Rules"). Various Chapters
and Rules provide for various aspects of the control and
regulation of DEALING IN narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances. The subject matter of Chapter Ill of the Rules is
C opium poppy cultivation and production of opium and poppy '.
straw, Chapter IV manufacture, sale and export of opium, -
Chapter V manufactured drugs8 , Chapter VI import, export and
transshipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
into or out of India. Rule 53 thereof prohibits both import and •
D export into or out of India of narcotic drugs and psychotropic ,
substances specified in Schedule I to the Rules, subject of~
course to the provisions of Chapter VllA. Rule 53A prohibits .
export of the narcotic drug. or psychotropic substance etc. 1
specified in Schedule-II to the Rules to certain counltries or to
E the regions specified in the Schedule. The further details of the
chapter are not necessary for our purpose.
'
19. The subject matter of Chapter VII is psychotropic
substances. Rule 64 prohibits each of the activities specified
F
8. 2(xi): "manufactured drug" means-
..
(a) all coca derivatives medicinal cannabis, opium derivatives and poppy ·'
straw concentrate;
(b) any other narcotic substance or preparation which the Central
G Government may, having regard to the available information as to its nature
or to a decision, if any, under any International Convention, by notification
in the Official Gazette, declare to be .a manufactured drug;
but does not include any narcotic substance or preparation which the
Central Government may, having regard to the available information as to
its nature or to a decision, if any, under any International Convention, by
H notification in the Official Gazette, declare not to be a manufactured drug.
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.)
991

under Section B(c) .of ~he Act, DEALING IN all the psychotropic A
substances specified in Schedule-I of the Rules.

Rule 64-

"No person shall manufacture, possess, transport, import
inter-State, export inter-State, sell, purchase, consume or 8
use any of the psychotropic substances specified in
Schedule-I."

In other words, Rule 64 reiterates the prohibition contained
under Section B(c) of the Act, w.r.t. some of the psychotropic c.
substances mentioned in Schedule-I to the Act.

20. Whereas Rule 65 stipulates that with reference to the
psychotropic substances other than those specified in
Schedule-I to the Rules could be manufactured subject to the D
limitation specified under Rule 65. In other words,
notwithstanding the prohibition under Section B(c), the Central
Government in exercise of its power under Section 9(1 )(a)(vi)
permits the manufacture of those psychotropic substances
other than specified in Schedule-I to the Rules.
E
Rule 65A stipulates that-

"No person shall possess sell, purchase, consume or use
any psychotropic substance except in accordance with the
Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945".
F
Obviously, the said Rule has application only to the psychotropic
substances other than those specified in Schedule-I of the
Rules.

Rule 66 mandates that- G
"no person shall possess any psychotropic substance for
any of the purposes covered by the 1945 Rules, unless
he is lawfully authorized to possess such substance
for any of the said purposes under these rules."
H
992 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•

H
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
993

accused) in Schedule-I to the Rules framed under the Act A
excludes the application of the Act. -

23. It is in the background of the above submissions, the
legality of the conclusion recorded by the Bombay High Court
that the absence of mention of a particular psychotropic B
substance in Schedule-I to the Rules excludes the application
of Section 8, notwithstanding the fact that such a drug is included
in the Schedule to the Act, is required to be decided.

24. Before we examine the correctness of various
submissions, we deem it appropriate to analyze and find out C
the true scope and ambit of section 8(c). Section 8(c) in no
uncertain terms prohibits the DEALING IN any manner in any
narcotic drug or psychotropic substance. However, an exception
to such prohibition is also contained in the said Section.
D
"Section 8. Prohibition 9f certain operations - No
person shall -

xxx xxx xxx xxx
Except for medical or scientific purposes and in the E
manner and to the extent provided by the provisions of this
Act or the rules or orders made thereunder and in a case
where any such provision, imposes any requirement by
way of licence, permit or authorisation also in accordance
with the terms and conditions of such licence, permit or F
authorisation;"

The exception being that DEALING IN any narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance is permitted "in the manner and to
the extent provided by the provisions of this Act or the G
rules or orders made thereunder".

25. In other words, DEALING IN narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances is permissible only when such
DEALING is for medical purposes or scientific purposes.
H
994 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2014) 11 S.C.R.
•
A Further, the mere fact that the DEALING IN narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances is for a medical or scientific purpose
does not by itself lift the emt;>argo created under section 8(c).
Such a dealing must be in the manner and extent provided by
the provisions of the Act, Rules or Orders made thereunder.
B Sections 9 9 and 10 10 enable the Central and the State
Governments respectively to make rules permitting and.
regulating various aspects (contemplated under Section B(c),
of DEALING IN narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

26. The Act does not contemplate framing of rules for
C prohibiting the various activities of DEALING IN narcotic drugs
and psychotropic substances. Such prohibition is already
contained in Section B(c). It only contemplates of the framing
of Rules for permitting and regulating any activity of DEALING
IN narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
D
27. Therefore, we are of the.opinion that the conclusion
reached by the various High Courts that prohibition contained
under Section 8 is not attracted in respect to all those
psychotropic substances which find a mention in the Schedule
E to the Act but not in Schedule-I to. the Rules framed under the
Act is untenable.

9. Section 9. Power of Central Government to permit, control and regulate.-.
(1) Subject to the provisions of section 8, the Central Government may, by
F rules-
(a) permit and regulate-
(i) to (V) x x x iC
(iv) the manufacture, possession; transport import inter-State, export inter-
state, sale, purchase, consumption or use of psychotropic substances;
G
x x x x
10. Section 10. Power of State Government to permit. control and regulate.-(1)
Subject to the provisions of section 8, the State Government may, by rules-
(a) permit and regulate-
H xx x x
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
995

28. However, it is brought to our notice that conclusion such A
as the one reached by the various High Courts as noted above
is supported by a judgment of this Court in Rajesh Kumar
Gupta (supra). At para 19, it was held;
"19. It has not been brought to our notice that the 1985
Act provides for the manner and extent of possession of B
the contraband. The rules framed under Section 9 of the
1985 Act read with Section 76 thereof, however, provide
for both the manner and the extent, inter a/ia, of production,
manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, etc. of
the contraband. Chapter VI of the 1985 Rules provides for C
import, export and trans-shipment of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances. Rule 53 contains general
prohibition in terms whereof the import and export out of
India of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
specified in Schedule I appended thereto is prohibited. D
Such prohibition, however, is subject to the other
provisions of the said Chapter. Rule 63 to which our
attention has been drawn specifically prohibits import and
export of consignments through a post office box but
keeping in view the general prohibition contained in E
Rule 53 the same must be held to apply only to those
drugs and psychotropic substances which are
.. mentioned in Schedule I of the "ules and not under
the 1985 Ac.t. Similarly, Chapter VII provides for
psychotropic substances. Rule 64 provides for general
F
prohibition. Rules 53 and 64, thus, contain a genus and
other provisions following the same under the said Chapter
are species thereof. This we say in view of the fact that
whereas Rule 64 provides for general prohibition in
respect of sale, purchase, consumption or use of the
psychotropic substances specified in Schedule I, Rule 65 G
prohibits manufacture of psychotropic substances,
whereas Rule 66 prohibits possession, etc. of
psychotropic substances and Rule 67 prohibits transport
thereof. Rule 67-A provides for special provisions for
G
996 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2014] 11 S.C.R.
•
A '
medical and scientific purposes."
(emphasis supplied)

29. We are unable to agree with the conclusion (reached
in Rajesh Kumar Gupta's case) that the prohibition contained
B in Rule 63 11 of the 1985 Rules is applicable only to those
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances which are
mentioned in Schedule-I to the Rules and not to the
.psychotropic substances enumeratet! in the Schedule to the
Act. Such a conclusion was reached in Rajesh Kumar
c Gupta's case on the understanding that Rule 53 (prohibiting
the import into and export out of India of the narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances specified in Schedule-I to 1he Rules)
is the source of the authority for such prohibition. Such a
conclusion was drawn from the fact that the other Rules
D contained in the Chapter permit import into and export out of
India of certain narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
other than those specified in Schedule-I to the Rules.
Unfortunately, the learned Judges· in reaching such a conclusion
ignored the mandate of Section 8(c) which inter a/ia prohibits
E in absolute terms import into and export out of India of any
narcotic drug and psychotropic substance. Rules framed under
the Act cannot be understood to create rights and obligations
contrary to those contained in the parent Act.

30. On examination of the scheme of Rules 53 to 63 which
F appear in Chapter VI, we are of the opinion that Rule 53 12
11. 63. Prohibition of import and export of consignments through a post office
box. etc. - The import or export of consignments of any narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance through a post office box or through a bank is .
prohibited. ·
G 12. 53. Gen.era! prohibition - Subject to the other provisions of this Chapter,
the import into and export out of India of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances specified in. Schedule I is prohibited.
Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply in case the drug substance in
imported into or exported out of India subject to an import certificate or
export authorisation issued under the provision of this Chapter and for the
purpose mentioned in Chapter VllA.
H
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J,]
reiterates an aspect of the larger prohibition contained in
997

A
Section 8(c) i.e., the prohibition of import into and export out
of India of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
specified in Schedule-I to the Rules. The proviso thereto
however enables the import into and export out of India.on the
basis of an import certificate or export authorisation issued B
under the provisions of Chapter VI. The subsequent Rules
stipulate the conditions subject to which and the procedure to
be followed by which some of the narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances could be imported into India or
exported out of India. For example, opium is a narcotic drug c
by definition under Section 2(xiv) of the Act whose export and
import is prohibited under Section 8(c). But Rule 5413 authorizes
the import of· opium by Government opium factory. The
construction such as the one placed on Rule 53 in Rajesh
Kumar Gupta's case would in our opinion be wholly against D
the settled canons of statutory interpretation that the subordinate
legislation cannot make stipulation contrary to the parent Act.

31. Chapter VII deals with psychotropic substances. No
doubt Rule 64 14 once again purports to prohibit various
operations other than import into or export out of India in E

13. 54. Import of opium, etc. - The import of -
CT) opium, concentrate of poppy straw, and
· (ii) morphine, codeine, thebaine, and their salts is prohibited save by F
the Government Opium Factory;
Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to import of morphine,
codeine, thebaine and their salts by manufacturers notified by the
Government, for use in manufacture of products to be exported or to imports
of small quantities of morphine, codeine and thebaine and their salts not
exceeding a total of 1 kilogram during a calendar year for analytical G
purposes by an importer, after following the procedure under rule 55 and
subject to such conditions as may be specified in the import certificate
issued in Form No. 4A.
14. Rule 64. General Prohibition.-No person shall manufacture, possess,
transport, import inter-State, export inter-State, sell, purchase, consume or
use any of the psychotropic substances specified in Schedule-I, H
998 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2014] 11 S.C.R. •
A psychotropic substances specified in Schedule-I for the ·
obvious reason that import and export operations are already
covered by Rule 53. Rule 65 authorizes the manufacture of
psychotropic substances other than those specified in
Schedule-I to the Rules subject to and in accordance with the
B conditions of a licence granted under the 1945 Rules. The rule
also provides for various other incidental matters. Rule 65A
prohibits the sale, purchase, consumption or use of any
psychotropic substances except in accordance with the 1945
Rules.
c 32. Rule 66 prohibits any peraon from having in possession
any psychotropic substance even for any of the purposes
authorized under the 1945 Rules unless the person in
possession of such a psychotropic substance is lawfully
authorized to possess such substance for any of the purposes
D · mentioned under the 1985 Rules. Persons who are authorized
under the 1985 Rules, and the quantities of the material such
persons are authorized to possess, are specified under Rule
66(2). They are- ·

E (1) any research institution or a hospital or dispensary
maintained or supported by Government etc. - Rule
66(2).

(2) individuals where such possession is needed for
personal medical use subject of course to the limits
F and conditions specified - the two provisos to Rule.
66(2) ..

33. Rule 66 reads as follows -

G Rule 66. Possession, etc., 6f psychotropic substances.- .
(1) No person shall possess any psychotropic substan~ ·
for any of the purposes covered by the 1945 Rules, unless .
he is lawfully authorized to possess such substance for any .
of the said purposes under these rules.
H
• UNION OF INDIA v. SANJEEV V. DESHPANDE
[J. CHELAMESWAR, J.]
999

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1 ), A
any research institution or a hospital or dispensary
maintained or supported by Government or local body or
by charity or voluntary subscription, which is not authorized
to possess any psychotropic substance under the 1945
Rules, or any person Who is not so authorized under the B
1945 Rules, may possess a reasonable quantity of such
substance as may be necessary for their genuine scientific
requirements, or both for such period as is deemed
necessary by the said research institution or, as the case
may be, the said hospital or dispensary or person: c
Provided that where such psychotropic substance is
in possession of an individual for his personal medical use
the quantity thereof shall not exceed one hundred .dosage
units at a time:
D
Provided further than an individual may possess·the
quantity of exceeding one hundred dosage units at a time
but not exceeding three hundred dosage units at a time
for his personal long term medical use if specifically
prescribed by a Registered Medical Practitioner. E
(3) The research institution, hospital and dispensary
referred to in sub-rule (2) shall maintain proper accounts
and records in relation to the purchase and consumption
of the psychotropic substance in their possession.
F
34. On the above analysis of the provisions of chapters VI
and VII of the 1985 Rules, we are of the opinion, both these
Chapters contain Rules permitting and regulating the import and
export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances other than
those specified in the Schedule-I to the 1985 Rules subject to G
various conditions and procedure stipulated in Chapter VI.
Whereas Chapter Vil deals exclusively with various other
aspects of DEALING IN psychotropic substances and the
conditions subject to which such DEALING IN is permitted. We
are of the opinion that both Rules 53 and 64 are really in the H
A
1000
l
SUPREME COURT REPORTS

nature of exception to the general scheme of Chapters VI and
[2014] 11 S.C.R. •
VII respectively containing a list of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances which cannot be dealt in any manner
notwithstanding the other provisions of these two chapters. We
are of the clear opinion that neither Rule 53 nor Rule 64 is a
B source of authority for prohibiting the DEALING IN narcotic
drugs and psychotropic substances, the source is Section 8.
Rajesh Kumar Gupta's case in our view is wrongly decided.
35. In view of our conclusion, the complete analysis ofthe
implications of Section 8015 of the Act is not really called for in
C the instant case. It is only required to be stated that essentially
the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 deals with various operations
of manufacture, sale, purchase etC:. of drugs generally whereas
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 deals
with a more specific class of drugs and, therefore, a special
D law on the subject. Further the provisions of the Act operate in
addition to the provisions of 1940 Act.

36. In the light of our above conclusion the correctness of
the orders impugned in all the Criminal Appeals is normally
E required to be considered by the Bench of appropriate strength.
· However, in view of the fact that most of these matters are old
matters [pertaining to years 2006 tci 2013], we deem it
appropriate to remit all these matters to the concerned High
Courts for passing of appropriate orders in the light of this
F judgment.

37. Ordered accordingly. Appeals stand disposed of.
Kalpana K. Tripathy Appeals disposed of & remitted
back
. .
to High Courts Concerned.
-

15. Section 80. Application of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 not barred.-
The provisions of this Act or th.e rules made thereunder shall be in addition
to. and not in derogation -of, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of
1940) or the rules made thereunder..