In a striking move, the Supreme Court of India recently referenced popular TV shows Narcos and Breaking Bad while denying bail to an accused in a drugs case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA). The court’s remarks highlighted the severity of the drug trade and its impact on society, particularly the youth.
The case involved Waseem Sheikh, an accused who had appealed against the Delhi High Court’s October 4 ruling, which refused to grant him anticipatory bail. Sheikh, a married man, was allegedly involved in the possession of 73.80 grams of heroin, a significant quantity of contraband. Despite no direct recovery of drugs from Sheikh, the investigation into the matter was still at an early stage, prompting the High Court to deny bail.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, upheld the High Court’s decision. During the proceedings, Justice Sharma made an unusual but poignant comparison to the drug trade, referencing two global TV series known for their portrayal of the narcotics world.
Justice Sharma remarked, “Let me ask you, you must have seen Narcos? Very strong syndicate. Rarely caught. Another one that is must-watch is Breaking Bad. You cannot fight with these people who are literally killing youth of this country.”
The Bench also pointed to the serious threat posed by the drug trade, noting that such cases cannot be treated lightly. “These people are literally killing youth of this country,” Justice Sharma stressed, reinforcing the rationale behind refusing bail in the case.
The ruling followed the High Court’s decision, which emphasized that anticipatory bail was unwarranted at this stage, considering the investigation was ongoing. It also noted that the applicant had evaded Section 67 notices, a crucial aspect in narcotics cases.
The Supreme Court’s remarks underscore the growing concerns over the rampant drug trade in India, which has increasingly become a matter of public and legal concern. The decision serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by drug syndicates and the judiciary’s commitment to combating them.
