Supreme Court Grants Bail to Karan Sharma in NDPS Case, Emphasises Rehabilitation and Medical Supervision.


24 September 2025 Bail and Antcipatory Bail >> Criminal Law   |   Drugs >> Criminal Law  

The Supreme Court of India, in its order dated September 24, 2025, directed the release on bail of Karan Sharma in relation to an NDPS case filed at Police Station Dhalli, District Shimla, under Sections 21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

A Bench consisting of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Alok Aradhe noted that Sharma, in detention since January 27, 2025, need not remain in jail, especially as the contraband purportedly seized from him was short of commercial quantity.


 

 
 
 

At the hearing, the Court took into account affidavits placed before it by the Additional Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh, detailing steps taken at fourteen prisons in the state to combat drug addiction, as well as a description of the medical condition of the appellant. A report of the Medical Board dated August 26, 2025, recorded that Sharma had no active signs of substance dependence but suggested regular psychiatric and psychological follow-up with the support of the family to avoid relapse.

While reserving the Himachal Pradesh High Court's previous order denying relief, the Supreme Court made it clear that its remarks were limited to granting bail and not to prejudice the merits of the case. The Court instructed Sharma to cooperate with proceedings, avoid asking for unnecessary adjournments, and also stick to the advice of the Medical Board.

The decision underscores a balance between the punitive tendencies of narcotics law and the rehabilitative interests of persons addicted to drugs, evidencing the increasingly rehabilitative focus of the judiciary on reintegration and preventive treatment in drug cases.


Section 21, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act - 1985  

Section 29, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act - 1985  

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985