#Section 42 NDPS Act

Kerala High Court rules that searches in private vehicles at public places between sunset and sunrise require strict compliance with Section 42 of the NDPS Act, including warrant and grounds of belief. Non-compliance vitiates the search, entitling the accused to bail, even if the recovery occurs in a public place.

Chhattisgarh High Court rules that while procedural non-compliance under Sections 42 and 50 of the NDPS Act does not invalidate a conviction if evidence is reliable, it may warrant sentence reduction. The court reduced the sentence to time already served for possession of 18 kg ganja, emphasizing that prejudice must be demonstrated for procedural lapses to affect conviction.

Bombay High Court grants bail in NDPS case due to material procedural violations in raid, panchanama, and witness statements, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 42.