Equivalent Citation: 108(2009)CLT681(SC), 2009CriLJ4299, JT2009(10)SC360, 2009(5)MPHT123(SC), 2009(II)OLR(SC)628, 2009(10)SCALE255, (2009)8SCC539

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Criminal Appeal Nos. 36 of 2003 and 606 of 2004 Decided On: 29.07.2009 Appellants: Karnail Singh Vs. Respondent: State of Har ana Hon!"le #$%ges& K.G. Balakrishnan, C. ., R.V. Raveendran, D.K. Jain, P. Sathasivam and J.M. Panchal, . Co$nsels& !or Appellant"#etitioner"#laintiff: A.P.S. Deol, $r. Ad%., Harikesh Singh, Devinder Vir Singh, Ad%s. for A.#. &o'ant(, Ad%., Satbir Pillania, Anil Karna al and S!shil Bal ada, Ad%s !or Respondents"Defendant: Ra"eev Ga!r #$aseem#, Ra"eev Ran"an and %.V. George, Ad%s. S$"'e(t& Nar(oti(s S$"'e(t& Cri)inal A(ts*R$les*Or%ers& Narcotic Dr)*s and #s(c'otropic $)+stances Act, ,9-. / $ections 2,, 4,, 4,0,1, 4,021, 42, 420,1, 42021, 43, .0, .00,1, .0021, .0031 and .72 Narcotic Dr)*s and #s(c'otropic $)+stances 0Amendment1 Act, 200,2 Criminal #roced)re Code 0Cr#C1 / $ections 96 to ,03, ,6. and 3,3 Cases Referre%& A+d)l Ras'id 3+ra'im &ans)ri %. $tate of 4)5arat MA$&'S('))*+',))): 020001 2 $CC .,32 $a5an A+ra'am %. $tate of 6erala MA$&'S(')-,-',)).: 0200,1 6 $CC 692 $tate of #)n5a+ %. 7alde% $in*' MA$&'S(')+/,'.++0: 0,9991 6 $CC ,72: MA$&'S(')-12'.++-: ,994 031 $CC 2992 6ol)tt)mottil Ra8a9 %. $tate of 6erala 2004 041 $CC 46. Prior Histor & !rom t'e )d*ment and Order dated ,2.07.2002 of t'e :i*' Co)rt of #)n5a+ and :ar(ana at C'andi*ar' in Criminal Appeal No. 30./$7 of ,99Citing Referen(e& A+d)l Ras'id 3+ra'im &ans)ri %. $tate of 4)5arat MA$&'S('))*+',))) $a5an A+ra'am %. $tate of 6erala MA$&'S(')-,-',)). $tate of #)n5a+ %. 7alde% $in*' MA$&'S(')+/,'.++0 $tate of #)n5a+ %. 7al+ir $in*' MA$&'S(')-12'.++6ol)tt)mottil Ra8a9 %. $tate of 6erala #UD+MENT P. Sathasi,a)- #. ,. 3n t'e case of A"%$l Rashi% I"rahi) Mans$ri ,. State of Gujarat MA$&'S('))*+',))) : 2000Cri; ,3-4 : 020001 2 $CC .,3, a t'ree/ )d*e 7enc' of t'is Co)rt 'eld t'at compliance of $ection
,

Disc)ssed Distin*)is'ed Disc)ssed Disc)ssed Disc)ssed

-, of t'e Narcotic Dr)*s and #s(c'otropic $)+stances Act, ,9-. 0'ereinafter referred to as <ND#$ Act<1 is mandator( and fail)re to ta9e do=n t'e information in =ritin* and fort'=it' send a report to 'is immediate official s)perior =o)ld ca)se pre5)dice to t'e acc)sed. 3n t'e case of Sa'an A"raha) ,. State of Kerala MA$&'S(')-,-',)). : 200,Cri; 4002 : 0200,1 6 $CC 692, ='ic' =as also decided +( a t'ree/ )d*e 7enc', it =as 'eld t'at $ection -, =as not mandator( and s)+stantial compliance =as s)fficient. 3n %ie= of t'e conflictin* opinions re*ardin* t'e scope and applica+ilit( of $ection -, of t'e Act in t'e matter of cond)ctin* searc', sei8)re and arrest =it'o)t =arrant or a)t'ori8ation, t'ese appeals =ere placed +efore t'e Constit)tion 7enc' to resol%e t'e iss)e. 2. >'e statement of o+5ects and reasons of t'e ND#$ Act ma9es it clear t'at to ma9e t'e sc'eme of penalties s)fficientl( deterrent to meet t'e c'allen*e of =ell or*ani8ed *an*s of sm)**lers, and to pro%ide t'e officers of a n)m+er of important Central enforcement a*encies li9e Narcotics, C)stoms, Central ?@cise, etc. =it' t'e po=er of in%esti*ation of offences =it' re*ard to ne= dr)*s of addiction ='ic' 'a%e come to +e 9no=n as ps(c'otropic s)+stances posin* serio)s pro+lems to national *o%ernments, t'is compre'ensi%e la= =as enacted +( #arliament ena+lin* e@ercise of control o%er ps(c'otropic s)+stances in 3ndia in t'e manner as en%isa*ed in t'e Con%ention on #s(c'otropic $)+stances, ,97, to ='ic' 3ndia 'as also acceded, consolidatin* and amendin* t'e t'en e@istin* la=s relatin* to narcotic dr)*s, stren*t'enin* t'e e@istin* control o%er dr)* a+)se, considera+l( en'ancin* t'e penalties partic)larl( for traffic9in* offences, ma9in* pro%isions for e@ercisin* effecti%e control o%er ps(c'otropic s)+stances and ma9in* pro%isions for t'e implementation of international con%entions relatin* to narcotic dr)*s and ps(c'otropic s)+stances to ='ic' 3ndia 'as +ecome a part(. 3. ;et )s consider t'e $c'eme of t'e ND#$ Act and its rele%ant pro%isions. >'e ,9-. Act came into force on ,4.,,.,9-.. Certain pro%isions =ere s)+seA)entl( amended in ,9-9 and in 200,. C'apter 3B deals =it' offences and penalties ='ereas C'apter B deals =it' proced)re. $ection -. relates to po=er to iss)e =arrant and a)t'ori8ation. $ection -, =it' ='ic' =e are concerned relates to po=er of entr(, searc', sei8)re and arrest =it'o)t =arrant or a)t'ori8ation. $ection -1 relates to po=er of sei8)re and arrest in p)+lic place. $ection *) refers to conditions )nder ='ic' searc' of persons s'all +e cond)cted. >'e ND#$ Act prescri+es strin*ent p)nis'ment. :ence a +alance m)st +e str)c9 +et=een t'e need of t'e la= and t'e enforcement of s)c' la= on t'e one 'and and t'e protection of citi8ens from oppression and in5)stice on t'e ot'er. >'is =o)ld mean t'at a +alance m)st +e str)c9 in. >'e pro%isions contained in C'apter B, intended for pro%idin* certain c'ec9s on e@ercise of po=ers of t'e a)t'orit( concerned, are capa+le of +ein* mis)sed t'ro)*' ar+itrar( or indiscriminate e@ercise )nless strict compliance is reA)ired. >'e stat)te mandates t'at t'e prosec)tion m)st pro%e compliance =it' t'e said pro%isions. 4. >'e facts in A"%$l Rashi% I"rahi) Mans$ri .s$/ra0 =ere as follo=s: #C 2, 3nspector of #olice at Dariap)r #olice $tation, *ot information on. ,2/,/,9-- t'at one 3A+al $(ed :)sen =as tr(in* to transport c'aras )p to $'a'p)r in an a)toric9s'a=. At a+o)t 4.00 p.m. t'e( si*'ted t'e a)toric9s'a= ='ic' =as t'en dri%en +( t'e appellant. >'e( stopped and c'ec9ed it and fo)nd fo)r *)nn( +a*s placed inside t'e %e'icle. >'e police too9 t'e %e'icle to t'e police station and ='en t'e *)nn( +a*s =ere opened ten pac9ets of c'aras =ere fo)nd concealed t'erein. >'e %al)e of t'e said contra+and =as estimated to +e Rs. ..29 la9's. C'en appellant"acc)sed =as A)estioned +( t'e trial co)rt )nder $ection 1.1 of t'e Code of Criminal #roced)re 'e did not disp)te t'e fact t'at 'e rode t'e a)toric9s'a= and t'at t'e same =as intercepted +( t'e police part( and t'e *)nn( +a*s 9ept in t'e %e'icle =ere ta9en o)t and e@amined +( t'em at t'e police station. :is defence =as t'at t'ose fo)r *)nn( +a*s =ere +ro)*'t in a tr)c9 at C'o9'a 7a8ar +( t=o persons ='o )nloaded t'em into 'is %e'icle and directed 'im to transport t'e same to t'e destination mentioned +( t'em. :e carried o)t t'e assi*nment =it'o)t 9no=in* ='at =ere t'e contents of t'e load in t'e *)nn( +a*s. >'e >rial Co)rt acA)itted t'e acc)sed. 7)t, $tate of 4)5arat preferred an appeal +efore t'e :i*' Co)rt. >'e Di%ision 7enc' of t'e :i*' Co)rt set aside t'e order of acA)ittal and con%icted t'e acc)sed of t'e offences c'ar*ed. >'e con%icted acc)sed filed $;# +efore t'is Co)rt and contended t'at t'ere =as non/ compliance of $ection -, of t'e Act ='ic' =as eno)*' to %itiate t'e searc' as a ='ole. After referrin* $ection -, of t'e Act and t'e e%idence of police officer as #C 2, t'e Co)rt 'eld t'at 0,1 'e s'o)ld 'a%e ta9en do=n t'e information in =ritin*2 and 021 'e s'o)ld 'a%e sent fort'=it' a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. After findin* t'at #C 2 / police officer admitted t'at 'e proceeded to t'e spot onl( on *ettin* t'e information t'at some+od( =as tr(in* to transport a narcotic s)+stance and notin* t'at #C 2 admitted t'at 'e proceeded on *ettin* prior information from a Consta+le and t'e information =as
2

precisel( one fallin* =it'in t'e p)r%ie= of $ection -,3.4 of t'e Act, t'e Co)rt decided t'at #C 2 cannot =ri**le o)t of t'e conditions stip)lated in t'e said $)+/section and )n'esitatin*l( fo)nd t'at t'ere =as non/compliance of $ection -, of t'e Act. >'e $tate contended +efore t'e 7enc' t'at s)c' non/ compliance =it' $ection -, of t'e Act cannot +e %isited =it' *reater conseA)ences t'an ='at 'as +een 'eld +( t'e Constit)tion 7enc' re*ardin* non/compliance =it' t'e conditions prescri+ed in $ection *) of t'e Act. After referrin* to t'e dict)m laid do=n in State of P$n'a" ,. Baldev Singh MA$&'S(')+/,'.++0 : 0,99916$CC,72 : 0,9991 6 $CC ,72, t'is Co)rt 'eld t'at t'e %ie=s e@pressed =it' reference to $ection *) of t'e Act =o)ld appl( =it' reference to $ection -, also and conseA)entl( 'eld as follo=s: 3f t'e officer 'as reason to +elie%e from personal 9no=led*e or prior information recei%ed from an( person t'at an( narcotic dr)* or ps(c'otropic s)+stance 0in respect of ='ic' an offence 'as +een committed1 is 9ept or concealed in an( +)ildin*, con%e(ance or enclosed place, it is imperati%e t'at t'e officer s'o)ld ta9e it do=n in =ritin* and 'e s'all fort'=it' send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. >'e action of t'e officer, ='o claims to 'a%e e@ercised it on t'e stren*t' of s)c' )nrecorded information, =o)ld +ecome s)spect, t'o)*' t'e trial ma( not %itiate on t'at score alone. Nonet'eless t'e res)ltant position =o)ld +e one of ca)sin* pre5)dice to t'e acc)sed 3t =as also contended +( t'e learned Co)nsel for t'e $tate of 4)5arat t'at as t'e acc)sed did not disp)te t'e fact)m of reco%er( of t'e <c'aras< from t'e %e'icle it does not matter t'at t'e information =as not recorded at t'e first instance +( t'e police officer. >'e Co)rt did not appro%e s)c' contention +eca)se it 'eld t'at non/recordin* of information 'as in fact depri%ed t'e acc)sed as =ell as t'e Co)rt of t'e material to ascertain ='at =as t'e precise information ='ic' #C 2 *ot +efore proceedin* to stop t'e %e'icle. 3t f)rt'er 'eld t'at %al)e of s)c' an information, ='ic' =as t'e earliest in point of time, for ascertainin* t'e e@tent of t'e in%ol%ement of t'e acc)sed in t'e offence, =as of a 'i*' de*ree. 3t f)rt'er 'eld t'at it is not eno)*' t'at #C 2 =as a+le to recollect from memor(, ='en 'e =as e@amined in co)rt after t'e lapse of a lon* time, as to ='at information 'e *ot +efore 'e proceeded to t'e scene. ?%en ot'er=ise, it 'eld t'at t'e information ='ic' #C 2 recollected itself tends to e@c)lpate t'e appellant rat'er t'an inc)lpate 'im. !inall( t'e co)rt 'eld t'at non/recordin* of t'e %ital information collected +( t'e police at t'e first instance can +e co)nted as a circ)mstance in fa%o)r of t'e acc)sed. On anal(8in* t'is as =ell as t'e ot'er materials, t'is Co)rt )ltimatel( allo=ed t'e appeal filed +( t'e acc)sed"appellant and set aside t'e con%iction and sentence passed on 'im +( t'e :i*' Co)rt and restored t'e order of acA)ittal passed in 'is fa%o)r +( t'e trial co)rt. >'e ratio in A"%$l Rashi% 0s)pra1 is t'at t'e non/recordin* of %ital information collected +( t'e police at t'e first instance can +e co)nted as a circ)mstance in fa%o)r of t'e acc)sed/appellant. >'e police officer e@amined as a cr)cial =itness, #C2, in t'at case admitted t'at 'e proceeded to t'e spot onl( on *ettin* information t'at some+od( =as tr(in* to transport a narcotic s)+stance, +)t failed to ta9e do=n t'e information in =ritin*. Nor did 'e apprise 'is s)perior officer of an( s)c' information eit'er t'en or later, m)c' less send a cop( of t'e information to t'e s)perior officer. >')s, it =as a case of a+sol)te non/compliance =it' t'e reA)irements of $ection -,3.4 and 021. .. >'e facts in Sa'an A"raha) ,. State of Kerala .S$/ra0, =ere completel( different. >'e appellant"acc)sed / $a5an A+ra'am =as p)t on trial for an offence p)nis'a+le )nder $ection ,. of t'e Act. As per t'e prosec)tion case, on ,0.,0.,993 at a+o)t 7.4. p.m. t'e appellant =as in possession of a man)fact)red dr)* +( t'e name of <>idi*esic< and t'ree s(rin*es for in5ectin* t'e same near 7l)e >ronics )nction at #all)r)t'(. >'e :ead Consta+le, #C 3 and t=o ot'er Consta+les of t'e $pecial $A)ad *ot information at a+o)t 7.00 p.m. on t'e said date t'at a person =as sellin* in5ecta+le narcotic dr)*s near 7l)e >ronics )nction at #all)r)t'(. >'e( informed t'is to #C . / $)+/3nspector of #olice, #all)r)t'( C)s+a #olice $tation, ='o =as comin* in a 5eep alon* =it' 'is police part(. >'ereafter #C . alon* =it' 'is police part( incl)din* #C 3 and ot'er mem+ers of t'e $pecial $A)ad =ent to t'e scene of occ)rrence fo)nd t'e acc)sed standin* on t'e road =it' a pac9et in 'is 'and. :e =as identified +( #C 3 and appre'ended +( #C .. On searc', t'e pac9et possessed +( t'e appellant re%ealed t'at it contained . strips of . ampo)les eac' of >idi*esic and t'ree in5ection s(rin*es and a p)rse containin* c)rrenc( note of Rs. ,0. At t'e spot, one ampo)le =as ta9en as a sample for c'emical anal(sis and t'e said contra+and articles =ere sei8ed as per ?@t. #/, and sei8)re ma'a8ar =as prepared at t'e spot. >'e appellant =as also arrested. >'e c'ar*e/s'eet =as s)+mitted, t'e appellant pleaded not *)ilt(. >'e trial co)rt fo)nd discrepancies in t'e e%idence of t'e prosec)tion =itnesses and t')s dis+elie%ed t'e prosec)tion stor(, 'ence acA)itted t'e appellant. >'e :i*' Co)rt, on reappraisal of t'e e%idence, came to t'e concl)sion t'at t'e >rial Co)rt =as not 5)stified in acA)ittin* t'e appellant. 3t 'eld t'at t'e prosec)tion

'as esta+lis'ed =it' positi%e e%idence +e(ond reasona+le do)+t t'at t'e appellant 'as committed an offence p)nis'a+le )nder $ection ,. of t'e Act, 'ence con%icted and sentenced t'e appellant +efore t'is Co)rt. ;earned Co)nsel for t'e appellant s)+mitted +efore t'is Co)rt =it' %e'emence t'at t'e prosec)tion 'as %iolated t'e mandator( pro%isions )nder $ection -,, $ection *) and $ection */ of Act and 'ence con%iction and sentence is lia+le to +e set aside. >'e concl)sion of t'is Co)rt =it' re*ard to $ection -, is as )nder: Cit' re*ard to $ection -,, t'e s)+mission is t'at #C . 'as not recorded t'e information *i%en +( #C 3 =it' respect to t'e appellantDs in%ol%ement +efore proceedin* to arrest 'im in 'is case. >'is constit)tes %iolation of $ection -, of t'e Act. 3t is tr)e )nder $ection -,3.4, t'e officer concerned, ='en 'e 'as reason to +elie%e from 'is personal 9no=led*e or information recei%ed from an( person, is o+li*ed to ta9e it do=n in =ritin* if s)c' information constit)tes an offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B of t'e Act and send it fort'=it' to 'is immediate s)perior. $)c' an officer is empo=ered to searc' an( +)ildin*, con%e(ance and in case of an( resistance, +rea9 )p an( door or remo%e an( o+stacle for s)c' entr(, sei8)re of s)c' dr)* or s)+stance and to arrest s)c' person ='om 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to 'a%e committed an( offence p)nis'a+le )nder t'e said C'apter. >'ereafter s)c' officer 'as to send a cop( of t'is information fort'=it' to 'is immediate s)perior. $)+mission is t'at #C . after recei%in* t'e said information 'ad not comm)nicated it to 'is immediate s)perior ='ic' constit)tes %iolation of $ection -,. 3n constr)in* an( facts to find, ='et'er t'e prosec)tion 'as complied =it' t'e mandate of an( pro%ision ='ic' is mandator(, one 'as to e@amine it =it' a pra*matic approac'. >'e la= )nder t'e aforesaid Act +ein* strin*ent to t'e persons in%ol%ed in t'e field of illicit dr)* traffic and dr)* a+)se, t'e le*islat)re time and a*ain 'as made some of its pro%isions o+li*ator( for t'e prosec)tion to compl( =it', ='ic' t'e co)rts 'a%e interpreted it to +e mandator(. >'is is in order to +alance t'e strin*enc( for an acc)sed +( castin* an o+li*ation on t'e prosec)tion for its strict compliance. >'e strin*enc( is +eca)se of t'e t(pe of crime in%ol%ed )nder it, so t'at no s)c' person escapes from t'e cl)tc'es of t'e la=. >'e co)rt 'o=e%er ='ile constr)in* s)c' pro%isions strictl( s'o)ld not interpret t'em so literall( so as to render t'eir compliance, impossi+le. :o=e%er, +efore dra=in* s)c' an inference, it s'o)ld +e e@amined =it' ca)tion and circ)mspection. 3n ot'er =ords, if in a case, t'e follo=in* of a mandate strictl(, res)lts in dela( in trappin* an acc)sed, ='ic' ma( lead t'e acc)sed to escape, t'en t'e prosec)tion case s'o)ld not +e t'ro=n o)t.< 3n t'e present case, #C 3 / :ead Consta+le, *ot information =it' reference to t'e appellant onl( at a+o)t 7 p.m. t'at t'e person is sellin* in5ecta+le narcotic dr)*s near 7l)e >ronics )nction, #all)r)t'(. C'en 'e proceeded for #all)r)t'( #olice $tation to *i%e t'is information to 'is immediate s)perior, $3 of #olice, #C ., 'e fo)nd #C . alon* =it' 'is police part(, ='o =ere on patrol d)t( comin*, 'ence t'e said information =as comm)nicated t'ere +( #C 3 to #C .. >'ereafter, #C . alon* =it' 'is police part( and #C 3 immediatel( proceeded to=ards t'e place ='ere t'e appellant =as standin*. :ad t'e( not done so immediatel(, t'e opport)nit( of sei8)re and arrest of t'e appellant =o)ld 'a%e +een lost. :o= #C . co)ld 'a%e recorded t'e information *i%en +( #C 3 and comm)nicated to 'is s)perior ='ile 'e =as on motion, on patrol d)t(, in t'e 5eep +efore proceedin* to appre'end 'im is not )nderstanda+le. :ad t'e( not acted immediatel(, t'e appellant =o)ld 'a%e escaped. On t'ese facts, t'is Co)rt fo)nd t'at no inference co)ld +e dra=n t'at t'ere 'as +een %iolation of $ection -, of Act. 3t is clear from Sa'an A"raha) 0s)pra1 t'at to enforce t'e la= )nder t'e ND#$ Act strin*entl( a*ainst t'e persons in%ol%ed in illicit dr)* traffic9in* and dr)* a+)se, t'e le*islat)re 'as made some of its pro%isions o+li*ator( for t'e prosec)tion to compl( =it', ='ic' t'e co)rts 'a%e interpreted to +e mandator(. 3t is f)rt'er clear t'at t'is is in order to +alance t'e strin*enc( for an acc)sed +( castin* an o+li*ation on t'e prosec)tion for its strict compliance. >'e co)rt 'o=e%er ='ile constr)in* s)c' pro%isions strictl( s'o)ld not interpret t'em literall( so as to render t'eir compliance impossi+le. 3t concl)ded t'at if in a case, t'e strict follo=in* of a mandate res)lts in dela( in trappin* an acc)sed, ='ic' ma( lead t'e acc)sed to escape, t'en t'e prosec)tion case s'o)ld not +e t'ro=n o)t. 3t is also clear t'at ='en s)+stantial compliance 'as +een made it =o)ld not %itiate t'e prosec)tion case. 6. 3n t'e li*'t of t'e a+o%e decisions and t'e principles en)nciated t'erein, it =o)ld +e appropriate to refer to $ection -, of t'e ND#$ Act ='ic' is rele%ant for t'e present p)rpose as it stood +efore its amendment +( Act 9 of 200,. 3t reads as )nder: 42. Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant or authorisation.--0,1 An( s)c' officer 0+ein* an officer s)perior in ran9 to a peon, sepo( or consta+le1 of t'e departments of central e@cise, narcotics, c)stoms, re%en)e intelli*ence or an( ot'er department of t'e Central 4o%ernment or of t'e

7order $ec)rit( !orce as is empo=ered in t'is +e'alf +( *eneral or special order +( t'e Central 4o%ernment, or an( s)c' officer 0+ein* an officer s)perior in ran9 to a peon, sepo( or consta+le1 of t'e re%en)e, dr)*s control, e@cise, police or an( ot'er department of a $tate 4o%ernment as is empo=ered in t'is +e'alf +( *eneral or special order of t'e $tate 4o%ernment, if 'e 'as reason to +elie%e from personal 9no=led*e or information *i%en +( an( person and ta9en do=n in =ritin* t'at an( narcotic dr)*, or ps(c'otropic s)+stance, in respect of ='ic' an offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B 'as +een committed or an( doc)ment or ot'er article ='ic' ma( f)rnis' e%idence of t'e commission of s)c' offence is 9ept or concealed in an( +)ildin*, con%e(ance or enclosed place, ma(, +et=een s)nrise and s)nset,// 0a1 enter into and searc' an( s)c' +)ildin*, con%e(ance or place2 0+1 in case of resistance, +rea9 open an( door and remo%e an( o+stacle to s)c' entr(2 0c1 sei8e s)c' dr)* or s)+stance and all materials )sed in t'e man)fact)re t'ereof and an( ot'er article and an( animal or con%e(ance ='ic' 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to +e lia+le to confiscation )nder t'is Act and an( doc)ment or ot'er article ='ic' 'e 'as reason to +elie%e ma( f)rnis' e%idence of t'e commission of an( offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B relatin* to s)c' dr)* or s)+stance2 and 0d1 detain and searc', and, if 'e t'in9s proper, arrest an( person ='om 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to 'a%e committed an( offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B relatin* to s)c' dr)* or s)+stance: #ro%ided t'at if s)c' officer 'as reason to +elie%e t'at a searc' =arrant or a)t'orisation cannot +e o+tained =it'o)t affordin* opport)nit( for t'e concealment of e%idence or facilit( for t'e escape of an offender, 'e ma( enter and searc' s)c' +)ildin*, con%e(ance or enclosed place at an( time +et=een s)nset and s)nrise after recordin* t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief. 021 C'ere an officer ta9es do=n an( information in =ritin* )nder $)+/section 0,1 or records *ro)nds for 'is +elief )nder t'e pro%iso t'ereto, 'e s'all fort'=it' send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. $)+/section 021 as replaced +( Act 9 of 200, is e@tracted +elo=. 021 C'ere an officer ta9es do=n an( information in =ritin* )nder $)+/section 0,1 or records *ro)nds for 'is +elief )nder t'e pro%iso t'ereto, 'e s'all =it'in se%ent( t=o 'o)rs send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. 7. 3t is =ell esta+lis'ed t'at searc' and sei8)re are essential steps in t'e armo)r( of an in%esti*ator in t'e in%esti*ation of a criminal case. >'e Code of Criminal #roced)re in %ario)s pro%isions, partic)larl(, $ections +2 to .)1 and $ection .2* reco*ni8es t'e necessit( and )sef)lness of searc' and sei8)re d)rin* t'e in%esti*ation. $)+/section 0,1 of $ection -. of t'e Act pro%ides t'at a &etropolitan &a*istrate or a &a*istrate of t'e !irst Class or an( &a*istrate of $econd Class speciall( empo=ered +( t'e $tate 4o%ernment ma( iss)e a =arrant for t'e arrest of an( person ='om 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to 'a%e committed an( offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B. $)+/section 021 of $ection -. refers to iss)e of a)t'ori8ation for similar p)rposes +( officers of departments of Central ?@cise, Narcotics, C)stoms, Re%en)e 3ntelli*ence, etc. -. $)+/section 0,1 of $ection -, la(s do=n t'at t'e empo=ered officer, if 'as a prior information *i%en +( an( person, s'o)ld necessaril( ta9e it do=n in =ritin* and ='ere 'e 'as reason to +elie%e from 'is personal 9no=led*e t'at offences )nder C'apter 3B 'a%e +een committed or t'at materials ='ic' ma( f)rnis' e%idence of commission of s)c' offences are concealed in an( +)ildin* etc. 'e ma( carr( o)t t'e arrest or searc', =it'o)t =arrant +et=een s)nrise and s)nset and 'e ma( do so =it'o)t recordin* 'is reasons of +elief. >'e pro%iso to $)+/section 0,1 of $ection -, la(s do=n t'at if t'e empo=ered officer 'as reason to +elie%e t'at a searc' =arrant or a)t'ori8ation cannot +e o+tained =it'o)t affordin* opport)nit( for t'e concealment of e%idence or facilit( for t'e escape of an offender, 'e ma( enter and searc' s)c' +)ildin*, con%e(ance or enclosed place, at an( time +et=een s)nset and s)nrise, after recordin* t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief.

9. $)+/section 021 of $ection -, as it ori*inall( stood mandated t'at t'e empo=ered officer ='o 'a%e ta9en do=n information in =ritin* or records t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief )nder t'e pro%iso to $)+/section 0,1, s'o)ld send a cop( of t'e same to 'is immediate official s)perior fort'=it'. 7)t after t'e amendment in t'e (ear 200,, t'e period =it'in ='ic' s)c' report 'as to +e sent =as specified to +e 72 'o)rs. $ection -1 deals =it' t'e po=er of sei8)re and arrest of t'e s)spect in a p)+lic place. ,0. Ce ma( note t'at Abdu R!"#id follo=ed State of Punja v. Balbir Singh MA$&'S(')-12'.++- : ,994Cri; 3702 :,994 031 $CC 299. Ce e@tract +elo= t'e passa*e t'at =as follo=ed: 02C1 Ender $ection -,3.4, t'e empo=ered officer if 'as a prior information *i%en +( an( person, t'at s'o)ld necessaril( +e ta9en do=n in =ritin*. 7)t if 'e 'as reason to +elie%e from personal 9no=led*e t'at offences )nder C'apter 3B 'a%e +een committed or materials ='ic' ma( f)rnis' e%idence of commission of s)c' offences are concealed in an( +)ildin* etc., 'e ma( carr( o)t t'e arrest or searc' =it'o)t a =arrant +et=een s)nrise and s)nset and t'is pro%ision does not mandate t'at 'e s'o)ld record 'is reasons of +elief. 7)t )nder t'e pro%iso to $ection -,3.4, if s)c' officer 'as to carr( o)t s)c' searc' +et=een s)nset and s)nrise, 'e m)st record t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief. >o t'is e@tent t'ese pro%isions are mandator( and contra%ention of t'e same =o)ld affect t'e prosec)tion case and %itiate t'e trial. 031 Ender $ection -,3.4, s)c' empo=ered officer ='o ta9es do=n an( information in =ritin* or records t'e *ro)nds )nder pro%iso to $ection -,3.4 s'o)ld fort'=it' send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior: 3f t'ere is total non/compliance of t'is pro%ision t'e same affects t'e prosec)tion case. >o t'at e@tent it is mandator(. 7)t if t'ere is dela( ='et'er it =as )nd)e or ='et'er t'e same 'as +een e@plained or not, =ill +e a A)estion of fact in eac' case. Abdu R!"#id =as follo=ed in $% u&&u'%&&i R!(!) *+ S&!&, %- $,r! ! 2004 041 $CC 46., ='ic' =as also a case of total non/compliance =it' $ection -,, as t'e $)+/3nspector of #olice neit'er red)ced t'e information recei%ed into =ritin* nor informed t'e official s)perior a+o)t it. ,,. A caref)l e@amination of t'e facts in A+d)l Ras'id and $a5an A+ra'am s'o=s t'at t'e decisions re%ol%ed on t'e facts and do not reall( la( do=n different prepositions of la=. 3n A+d)l Ras'id, t'ere =as total non/compliance =it' t'e pro%ision of $ection -,. >'e police officer neit'er too9 do=n t'e information as reA)ired )nder $ection -,3.4 nor informed 'is immediate official s)perior, as reA)ired +( $ection -,3,4. 3t is in t'at conte@t t'is Co)rt e@pressed t'e %ie= t'at it =as imperati%e t'at t'e police officer s'o)ld ta9e do=n t'e information and fort'=it' send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate s)perior officer and t'e action of t'e police officer on t'e +asis of t'e )nrecorded information =o)ld +ecome s)spect t'o)*' t'e trial, ma( not +e %itiated on t'at score alone. On t'e ot'er 'and, in S!.!/ Abr!#!', t'e facts =ere different. 3n t'at case, it =as %er( diffic)lt, if not impossi+le for t'e $)+/3nspector of police to record in =ritin* t'e information *i%en +( #C/3 and send a cop( t'ereof fort'=it' to 'is official s)perior, as t'e information =as *i%en to 'im ='en 'e =as on patrol d)t( ='ile 'e =as mo%in* in a 5eep and )nless 'e acted on t'e information immediatel(, t'e acc)sed =o)ld 'a%e escaped. >'e $)+/3nspector of #olice t'erefore acted, =it'o)t recordin* t'e information into =ritin*, +)t 'o=e%er, sent a cop( of t'e !3R alon* =it' ot'er records re*ardin* arrest of t'e acc)sed immediatel( to 'is s)perior officer. 3t is in t'ese circ)mstances t'at t'is Co)rt 'eld t'at t'e omission to record in =ritin* t'e information recei%ed =as not a %iolation of $ection -,. ,2. >'e material difference +et=een t'e pro%isions of $ections -, and -1 is t'at $ection -, reA)ires recordin* of reasons for +elief and for ta9in* do=n of information recei%ed in =ritin* =it' re*ard to t'e commission of an offence +efore cond)ctin* searc' and sei8)re, $ection -1 does not contain an( s)c' pro%ision and as s)c' ='ile actin* )nder $ection -1 of t'e Act, t'e empo=ered officer 'as t'e po=er of sei8)re of t'e article etc. and arrest of a person ='o is fo)nd to +e in possession of an( narcotic dr)* or ps(c'otropic s)+stance in a p)+lic place ='ere s)c' possession appears to 'im to +e )nla=f)l. ,3. $ection *) prescri+es t'e conditions )nder ='ic' searc' of a person s'all +e cond)cted. $)+/section 0,1 pro%ides t'at ='en t'e empo=ered officer is a+o)t to searc' an( s)spected person, 'e s'all, if t'e person to +e searc'ed so reA)ires, ta9e 'im to t'e nearest *a8etted officer or t'e &a*istrate for t'e p)rpose. Ender $)+/section 021 it is laid do=n t'at if s)c' reA)est is made +( t'e s)spected person, t'e
6

officer ='o is to ta9e t'e searc', ma( detain t'e s)spect )ntil 'e can +e +ro)*'t +efore s)c' *a8etted officer or t'e &a*istrate. $)+/section 031 la(s do=n t'at ='en t'e person to +e searc'ed is +ro)*'t +efore s)c' a *a8etted officer or t'e &a*istrate and s)c' *a8etted officer or t'e &a*istrate finds t'at t'ere are no reasona+le *ro)nds for searc', 'e s'all fort'=it' disc'ar*e t'e person to +e searc'ed, ot'er=ise, 'e s'all direct t'at t'e searc' +e made. ,4. >'e Constit)tion 7enc' in 1al%e, Singh 0s)pra1 considered t'e compliance of $ection *) of t'e Act. C'ile doin* so, t'e 7enc' also considered t'e pro%isions of $ections -. and -, of t'e Act. 3t o+ser%ed as follo=s: 2. $ection -. of t'e ND#$ Act pro%ides t'at a &etropolitan &a*istrate or a &a*istrate of t'e !irst Class or an( &a*istrate of t'e $econd Class speciall( empo=ered +( t'e $tate 4o%ernment in t'is +e'alf, ma( iss)e a =arrant for t'e arrest of and for searc' of an( person ='om 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to 'a%e committed an( offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B. Bide $)+/section 021 t'e po=er 'as also +een %ested in *a8etted officers of t'e Departments of Central ?@cise, Narcotics, C)stoms, Re%en)e 3ntelli*ence or an( ot'er department of t'e Central 4o%ernment or of t'e 7order $ec)rit( !orce, empo=ered in t'at +e'alf +( a *eneral or special order of t'e $tate 4o%ernment to arrest an( person, ='o 'e 'as reason to +elie%e to 'a%e committed an offence p)nis'a+le )nder C'apter 3B or to searc' an( person or con%e(ance or %essel or +)ildin* etc. =it' a %ie= to sei8e an( contra+and or doc)ment or ot'er article ='ic' ma( f)rnis' e%idence of t'e commission of s)c' an offence, concealed in s)c' +)ildin* or con%e(ance or %essel or place. 3. $)+/section 0,1 of $ection -, la(s do=n t'at t'e empo=ered officer, if 'as a prior information *i%en +( an( person, 'e s'o)ld necessaril( ta9e it do=n in =ritin* and ='ere 'e 'as reason to +elie%e from 'is personal 9no=led*e t'at offences )nder C'apter 3B 'a%e +een committed or t'at materials ='ic' ma( f)rnis' e%idence of commission of s)c' offences are concealed in an( +)ildin* etc. 'e ma( carr( o)t t'e arrest or searc', =it'o)t a =arrant +et=een s)nrise and s)nset, and 'e ma( do so =it'o)t recordin* 'is reasons of +elief. 45. >'e pro%iso to $)+/section 0,1 la(s do=n t'at if t'e empo=ered officer 'as reason to +elie%e t'at a searc' =arrant or a)t'orisation cannot +e o+tained =it'o)t affordin* opport)nit( for t'e concealment of e%idence or facilit( for t'e escape of an offender, 'e ma( enter and searc' s)c' +)ildin*, con%e(ance or enclosed place, at an( time +et=een s)nset and s)nrise, after recordin* t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief. Bide $)+/section 021 of $ection -,, t'e empo=ered officer ='o ta9es do=n information in =ritin* or records t'e *ro)nds of 'is +elief )nder t'e pro%iso to $)+/section 0,1, s'all fort'=it' send a cop( of t'e same to 'is immediate official s)perior. $ection -1 deals =it' t'e po=er of sei8)re and arrest of t'e s)spect in a p)+lic place. >'e material difference +et=een t'e pro%isions of $ection -1 and $ection -, is t'at ='ereas $ection -, reA)ires recordin* of reasons for +elief and for ta9in* do=n of information recei%ed in =ritin* =it' re*ard to t'e commission of an offence +efore cond)ctin* searc' and sei8)re, $ection -1 does not contain an( s)c' pro%ision and as s)c' ='ile actin* )nder $ection -1 of t'e Act, t'e empo=ered officer 'as t'e po=er of sei8)re of t'e article etc. and arrest of a person ='o is fo)nd to +e in possession of an( narcotic dr)* or ps(c'otropic s)+stance in a p)+lic place ='ere s)c' possession appears to 'im to +e )nla=f)l. 3t is to +e noted t'at 1al%e, Singh!s (ase .s$/ra0 'as dealt =it' $ection *) of t'e Act and t'e effect of non/compliance of t'e same. 3t =as 'eld t'at t'e same pro%isions of $ection *) containin* certain protection and safe*)ards implicitl( ma9e it imperati%e and o+li*ator( and cast a d)t( on t'e in%esti*atin* officer to ens)re t'at searc' and sei8)re of t'e person concerned is cond)cted in a manner prescri+ed +( $ection *). >'e )namended $ection *) as e@isted d)rin* t'at period is as follo=s: Se(tion 50 6 Con%itions $n%er 7hi(h sear(h of /ersons shall "e (on%$(te% 0,1 C'en an( officer d)l( a)t'ori8ed )nder $ection -, is a+o)t to searc' an( person )nder t'e pro%isions of $ection -., $ection -, or $ection -1, 'e s'all, if s)c' person so reA)ires, ta9e s)c' person =it'o)t )nnecessar( dela( to t'e nearest 4a8etted Officer of an( of t'e departments mentioned in $ection -, or to t'e nearest &a*istrate.

021 3f s)c' reA)isition is made, t'e officer ma( detain t'e person )ntil 'e can +rin* 'im +efore t'e 4a8etted Officer or t'e &a*istrate referred to in $)+/section 0,1. 031 >'e 4a8etted Officer or t'e &a*istrate +efore ='om an( s)c' person is +ro)*'t s'all, if 'e sees no reasona+le *ro)nd for searc', fort'=it' disc'ar*e t'e person +)t ot'er=ise s'all direct t'at searc' +e made. 041 No female s'all +e searc'ed +( an(one e@ceptin* a female. >'e safe*)ard or protection to +e searc'ed in t'e presence of a *a8etted officer or a &a*istrate 'as +een incorporated in $ection *) to ens)re t'at persons are onl( searc'ed =it' a *ood ca)se and also =it' a %ie= to maintain t'e %eracit( of e%idence deri%ed from s)c' searc'. 7)t t'is strict proced)ral reA)irement 'as +een dil)ted +( t'e insertion of $)+/section 0.1 and 061 to t'e $ection +( Act 9 of 200,, +( ='ic' t'e follo=in* s)+sections =ere inserted accordin*l(: 0.1 C'en an officer d)l( a)t'ori8ed )nder $ection -, 'as reason to +elie%e t'at it is not possi+le to ta9e t'e person to +e searc'ed to t'e nearest 4a8etted Officer or &a*istrate =it'o)t t'e possi+ilit( of t'e person to +e searc'ed partin* =it' possession of an( narcotic dr)* or ps(c'otropic s)+stance, or controlled s)+stance or article or doc)ment, 'e ma(, instead of ta9in* s)c' person to t'e nearest 4a8etted Officer or &a*istrate, proceed to searc' t'e person as pro%ided )nder $ection .)) of t'e Code of Criminal #roced)re, ,973 02 of ,9741. 061 After a searc' is cond)cted )nder $)+/section 0.1, t'e officer s'all record t'e reasons for s)c' +elief ='ic' necessitated s)c' searc' and =it'in se%ent(/t=o 'o)rs send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. >'ro)*' t'is amendment t'e strict proced)ral reA)irement as mandated +( 1al%e, Singh!s (ase =as a%oided as rela@ation and fi@in* of t'e reasona+le time to send t'e record to s)perior official as =ell as e@ercise of $ection .)) of Cr#C =as incl)ded +( t'e le*islat)re. >'e effect conferred )pon t'e pre%io)sl( mandated strict compliance of $ection *) +( 7alde% $in*'Ds case =as t'at t'e proced)ral reA)irements ='ic' ma( 'a%e 'andicapped an emer*enc( reA)irement of searc' and sei8)re and *i%e t'e s)spect a c'ance to escape =ere made director( +ased on t'e reasona+leness of s)c' emer*enc( sit)ation. >'o)*' it cannot +e said t'at t'e protection or safe*)ard *i%en to t'e s)spects 'a%e +een ta9en a=a( completel( +)t certain fle@i+ilit( in t'e proced)ral norms =ere adopted onl( to +alance an )r*ent sit)ation. As a conseA)ence t'e mandate *i%en in 1al%e, Singh!s (ase is dil)ted. ,.. Ender $ection -,3,4 as it stood prior to amendment s)c' empo=ered officer ='o ta9es do=n an( information in =ritin* or records t'e *ro)nds )nder pro%iso to $ection -,3.4 s'o)ld fort'=it' send a cop( t'ereof to 'is immediate official s)perior. 3f t'ere is total non/compliance of t'is pro%ision t'e same =o)ld ad%ersel( affect t'e prosec)tion case and to t'at e@tent it is mandator(. 7)t if t'ere is dela( ='et'er it =as )nd)e or ='et'er t'e same 'as +een e@plained or not, =ill +e a A)estion of fact in eac' case, it is to +e concl)ded t'at t'e mandator( enforcement of t'e pro%isions of $ection -, of t'e Act non/compliance of ='ic' ma( %itiate a trial 'as +een restricted onl( to t'e pro%ision of sendin* a cop( of t'e information =ritten do=n +( t'e empo=ered officer to immediate official s)perior and not to an( ot'er condition of t'e $ection. ! dul "ashid #su$ra% 'as +een decided on 0,.02.2000 +)t t'ereafter $ection -, 'as +een amended =it' effect from 02.,0.200, and t'e time of sendin* s)c' report of t'e reA)ired information 'as +een specified to +e =it'in 72 'o)rs of =ritin* do=n t'e same. >'e rela@ation +( t'e le*islat)re is e%identl( onl( to )p'old t'e o+5ect of t'e Act. >'e A)estion of mandator( application of t'e pro%ision can +e ans=ered in t'e li*'t of t'e said amendment. >'e non/compliance of t'e said pro%ision ma( not %itiate t'e trial if it does not ca)se an( pre5)dice to t'e acc)sed. ,6. >'e ad%ent of cell)lar p'ones and =ireless ser%ices in 3ndia 'as ass)red certain e@pectation re*ardin* t'e A)alit(, relia+ilit( and )sef)lness of t'e instantaneo)s messa*es. >'is tec'nolo*( 'as ta9en part in t'e s(stem of police administration and in%esti*ation ='ile *ro=in* consens)s amon* t'e polic( ma9ers a+o)t it. No= for t'e last t=o decades police in%esti*ation 'as *one t'ro)*' a sea/c'an*e. ;a= enforcement officials can easil( access an( information an(='ere e%en ='en t'e( are on t'e mo%e and not p'(sicall( present in t'e police station or t'eir respecti%e offices. !or t'is c'an*e of circ)mstances, it ma( not +e possi+le all t'e time to record t'e information ='ic' is collected t'ro)*' mo+ile p'one

comm)nication in t'e Re*ister"Records 9ept for t'ose p)rposes in t'e police station or t'e respecti%e offices of t'e a)t'ori8ed officials in t'e Act if t'e emer*enc( of t'e sit)ation so reA)ires. As a res)lt, if t'e stat)tor( pro%isions )nder $ection -.3,4 and -,3,4 of t'e Act of =ritin* do=n t'e information is interpreted as a mandator( pro%ision, it =ill, disa+le t'e 'aste of an emer*enc( sit)ation and ma( t)rn o)t to +e in %ain =it' re*ard to t'e criminal searc' and sei8)re. >'ese pro%isions s'o)ld not +e mis)sed +( t'e =ron*doers"offenders as a ma5or *ro)nd for acA)ittal. ConseA)entl(, t'ese pro%isions s'o)ld +e ta9en as discretionar( meas)re ='ic' s'o)ld c'ec9 t'e mis)se of t'e Act rat'er t'an pro%idin* an escape to t'e 'ardened dr)*/peddlers. ,7. 3n concl)sion, ='at is to +e noticed is A+d)l Ras'id did not reA)ire literal compliance =it' t'e reA)irements of $ections -,3.4 and -,3,4 nor did $a5an A+ra'am 'old t'at t'e reA)irements of $ection -,3.4 and -,3,4 need not +e f)lfilled at all. >'e effect of t'e t=o decisions =as as follo=s: 0a1 >'e officer on recei%in* t'e information 0of t'e nat)re referred to in $)+/section 0,1 of $ection -,1 from an( person 'ad to record it in =ritin* in t'e concerned Re*ister and fort'=it' send a cop( to 'is immediate official s)perior, +efore proceedin* to ta9e action in terms of Cla)ses 0a1 to 0d1 of $ection -,3.4. 0+1 7)t if t'e information =as recei%ed ='en t'e officer =as not in t'e police station, +)t ='ile 'e =as on t'e mo%e eit'er on patrol d)t( or ot'er=ise, eit'er +( mo+ile p'one, or ot'er means, and t'e information calls for immediate action and an( dela( =o)ld 'a%e res)lted in t'e *oods or e%idence +ein* remo%ed or destro(ed, it =o)ld not +e feasi+le or practical to ta9e do=n in =ritin* t'e information *i%en to 'im, in s)c' a sit)ation, 'e co)ld ta9e action as per Cla)ses 0a1 to 0d1 of $ection -,3.4 and t'ereafter, as soon as it is practical, record t'e information in =ritin* and fort'=it' inform t'e same to t'e official s)perior. 0c1 3n ot'er =ords, t'e compliance =it' t'e reA)irements of $ections -,3.4 and -,3,4 in re*ard to =ritin* do=n t'e information recei%ed and sendin* a cop( t'ereof to t'e s)perior officer, s'o)ld normall( precede t'e entr(, searc' and sei8)re +( t'e officer. 7)t in special circ)mstances in%ol%in* emer*ent sit)ations, t'e recordin* of t'e information in =ritin* and sendin* a cop( t'ereof to t'e official s)perior ma( *et postponed +( a reasona+le period, t'at is after t'e searc', entr( and sei8)re. >'e A)estion is one of )r*enc( and e@pedienc(. 0d1 C'ile total non/compliance of reA)irements of $)+/sections 0,1 and 021 of $ection -, is impermissi+le, dela(ed compliance =it' satisfactor( e@planation a+o)t t'e dela( =ill +e accepta+le compliance of $ection -,. >o ill)strate, if an( dela( ma( res)lt in t'e acc)sed escapin* or t'e *oods or e%idence +ein* destro(ed or remo%ed, not recordin* in =ritin* t'e information recei%ed, +efore initiatin* action, or non/ sendin* a cop( of s)c' information to t'e official s)perior fort'=it', ma( not +e treated as %iolation of $ection -,. 7)t if t'e information =as recei%ed ='en t'e police officer =as in t'e police station =it' s)fficient time to ta9e action, and if t'e police officer fails to record in =ritin* t'e information recei%ed, or fails to send a cop( t'ereof, to t'e official s)perior, t'en it =ill +e a s)spicio)s circ)mstance +ein* a clear %iolation of $ection -, of t'e Act. $imilarl(, ='ere t'e police officer does not record t'e information at all, and does not inform t'e official s)perior at all, t'en also it =ill +e a clear %iolation of $ection -, of t'e Act. C'et'er t'ere is adeA)ate or s)+stantial compliance =it' $ection -, or not is a A)estion of fact to +e decided in eac' case. >'e a+o%e position *ot stren*t'ened =it' t'e amendment to $ection -, +( Act 9 of 200,. ,-. Ce ans=er t'e reference in t'e manner aforesaid. ;et t'e appeals +e no= placed for disposal +efore t'e appropriate 7enc'.