Supreme Court: Confiscation of Vehicles Requires Hearing Registered Owners

The Supreme Court has ruled that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Act), confiscating a vehicle without hearing its owner is illegal. Citing Section 63 of the Act, the Supreme Court emphasized that confiscation orders must adhere to due process. According to the Act, such orders cannot be issued until one month after seizure and must include a hearing for anyone claiming rights over the confiscated vehicle.