#pillion rider

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that a pillion rider cannot be held guilty under Section 21 of the NDPS Act merely for being present on a motorcycle where contraband was recovered from the driver. The court emphasized that conscious possession must be proven, not presumed, setting a precedent for bail jurisprudence in drug trafficking cases involving co-accused.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that mere presence as a pillion rider on a motorcycle where contraband is found with the driver does not establish conscious possession under the NDPS Act. The judgment reinforces that guilt requires proof of actual knowledge and dominion over the drugs, protecting innocent passengers from automatic liability in drug cases.

Bombay High Court holds that comprehensive motor insurance policies must cover pillion riders for death or injury, irrespective of familial relationship to the owner-driver.