Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985-Section 50-
Applicability of-Held: The provision is applicable only in the case of personal search of the accused and not of any bag, briefcase, article or container; etc.,
being carried by him-Contra interpretation would lead to many practical
difficulties-A statute should be so interpreted as to avoid unworkable or
impracticable results.
Interpretation of Statutes-Literal construction-Held: Statutes should be construed according to plain, literal and grammatical meaning of the
words-Onus of showing that the words do not mean what they say lies
heavily on the party who alleges it. Words and Phrases :
"Search of person" and "person "-Meaning of -In context to Section S. 50(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
"lnextricable"-Meaning of
The question for consideration in the present appeals is as to whether
the safeguards provided by Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (the NDPS Act) regarding search of
any "person" would also apply to any bag, briefcase or any such article
or container etc., which is being carried by him.