JATIN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is an accused in S.C.No.1710/2025 on the file of the Additional Sessions Court-I, Thiruvananthapuram, which has arisen from Crime No.13/2025, registered by the Excise Enforcement and Anti Narcotic Special Squad, Thiruvananthapuram, alleging the commission of the offences punishable under Sec. 8(c) read with Ss. 20 (a) (i) and 20 (b) (ii) (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short, ' the Act').

(2.) The prosecution case, succinctly stated, is that on 17/4/2025, at about 19:10 hours, the excise officials received credible information that the petitioner was cultivating cannabis plants on the terrace of a rented building situated in T.C No.43/550 (43), KNRA-18, Kairali Residence Association, Muttathara Village, Thiruvananthapuram District. Acting upon the information, the Detecting Officer and party conducted a search of the building, in the presence of the petitioner, and seized two cannabis plants measuring 59 cm each, and three cannabis plants measuring 46, 35 and 29 cms each, all planted in pots. They also seized 5 grams of ganja seeds and dried branches from the petitioner's bedroom.

(3.) I have heard the Sri. Suman Chakravarthy, the learned counsel for the petitioner and Sri. C.S. Hrithwik, the learned Public Prosecutor.