Mandatory destruction of seized narcotics prompts nationwide reporting and judicial supervision to prevent pilferage and misuse.

The SC directed nationwide collection of information on the seizure, storage and destruction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, recognising that seized contraband is vulnerable to pilferage, substitution and re-circulation if not promptly handled. It treated destruction of seized narcotic substances as a mandatory part of the enforcement framework and linked effective compliance to statutory procedure and the constitutional duty to protect public health and morality. The Court also called for supervisory input from State authorities, High Courts and judicial officers on inventories, facilities, inspections, pending applications and trial timelines. The operative effect was a coordinated reporting and supervision exercise to strengthen compliance with storage, inventory and destruction requirements.

---

---

Issues: Whether directions were required for collection of information from the States and central agencies regarding seizure, storage and destruction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and whether the destruction of seized contraband is a matter of statutory and constitutional obligation requiring systemic supervision.

Analysis: The Court found that the problem of seizure, storage and destruction of narcotic substances was widespread and serious, with a real risk of pilferage, substitution and re-circulation if seized articles were not promptly and properly dealt with. It relied on the statutory framework and the constitutional obligation to protect public health and morality, noting that the relevant provisions make destruction of seized narcotic substances a mandatory part of the enforcement regime. The Court also considered the need for supervision by State authorities, High Courts and judicial officers to ensure compliance with the prescribed procedure, and called for structured data from the States and concerned agencies on seizure, storage, destruction, facilities, inspections, pending applications and average trial time.

Conclusion: Directions were issued for nationwide collection of information and reporting on seizure, storage, disposal and judicial supervision of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Final Conclusion: The order authorises a coordinated inquiry into the handling of seized narcotic substances and reinforces the duty of the authorities to prevent loss, pilferage and misuse through prompt destruction and effective supervision.

Ratio Decidendi: Where seized narcotic substances are vulnerable to pilferage and misuse, the Court may direct systemic reporting and supervision to ensure strict compliance with statutory procedures for storage, inventory and destruction.

---