S. 50 NDPS Act Applies Only To Personal Searches And Not To Searches Of Bags Carried By The Person: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act applies only to personal searches and not to searches of bags or other items carried by a person. The ruling came in response to a case where the accused argued that the search of their bag without compliance with Section 50 was illegal. The court clarified that the requirement for an individual's consent applies only to personal searches and not to their belongings. This decision provides clarity on the interpretation of the NDPS Act, ensuring that the legal protections afforded under the act are correctly applied.