Interim protection from arrest granted subject to joining investigation and appearing before the investigating officer

Interim protection from arrest was granted to the petitioners pending further proceedings, subject to their joining the investigation and appearing before the investigating officer whenever called. The HC noted the petitioners' reliance on the exemption claimed under the Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013, but recorded that no opinion was being expressed on the merits of that claim. The protection was limited until the next date and was conditional on cooperation with the investigation.

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Issues: Whether the petitioners were entitled to interim protection from arrest during the pendency of the petition.

Analysis: The petitioners relied on the exemption claimed under the Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013 and sought protection from coercive action pending investigation. The order records that no opinion was expressed on the merits, while directing the petitioners to join the investigation and appear before the investigating officer as required.

Conclusion: Interim protection from arrest was granted till the next date, subject to the petitioners joining the investigation and appearing when called.

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