The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the State government to file a statement on the steps taken to ensure that the chemical analysis of the seized narcotic drugs is completed within the stipulated time by putting in place ample facilities for the examination.
The court observed that considering the increasing number of NDPS cases, it was only proper that ample facilities are put in place, to ensure the timely examination of these contraband articles.
The court passed the order when a bail petition in a narcotic drug case came up for hearing. The court pointed out that as per Rule 14 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022, the scientific examination report should be made available within 15 days. As the statutory rule contemplated for a time-bound certification, it is the duty of the State to provide necessary facilities for ensuring the timely examination of the contraband articles in tune with the statutory period stipulated.
The Public Prosecutor pointed out that, as of now, no separate labs for conducting the test of narcotic drugs for the purpose of the NDPS Act are available. At present, the tests are being conducted in the common labs where thousands of samples in connection with all the other offences are being tested. The prosecutor also submitted that steps are being taken by the government in this regard.