Synopsis

This judgment, delivered by the Supreme Court of India on January 30, 2026, involves a criminal appeal concerning the conviction of a foreign national under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). The core legal issue pertained to the adherence to mandatory procedural safeguards during search and seizure operations. The Court, upon scrutinizing the evidence and procedural timeline, identified fatal inconsistencies and violations of statutory procedure, leading to the acquittal of the accused. The judgment reinforces the principle that in cases involving stringent penal statutes, strict compliance with procedural mandates is indispensable, and any deviation can vitiate the prosecution's case.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Case Title: Doniyar Vildanov v. The State of Uttar Pradesh

Citation: 2026 INSC 95 (Non-Reportable)

Court: Supreme Court of India

Jurisdiction: Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction

Appeal Arising From: Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 9460 of 2025, against the judgment of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

Coram: Justice K. Vinod Chandran (Single Judge Bench)

Date of Judgment: January 30, 2026.

2. Legal Framework and Relevant Provisions

• Substantive Law:
  Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act): Sections 8 (prohibition of certain operations), 20 (punishment for contravention in relation to cannabis plant and

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