Narcotic Drugs and the Rule of Law: Son of Brij Behara Acquitted

Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-09-01 05:23:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-03 23:38:22

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After two lengthy trials spanning over a decade, the Supreme Court of India has acquitted Sonjeet Singh, the son of a deceased constable Brij Behara, of all charges in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case.

In February 2011, the Punjab Police seized about 50 kg of heroin from the house of Brij Behara, who was then a constable in the Punjab Police. Sonjeet Singh was arrested along with his father and two others. The sudden death of Behara, who was reportedly close to the then Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, had put Sonjeet in the spotlight.

Although the Sessions Court had acquitted all four accused in 2015, the Punjab Government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. While the appeal against the two others was withdrawn later, Sonjeet Singh was persistently pursued by the authorities. The Supreme Court concluded the hearing in March this year and has now acquitted Singh, finding flaws in the prosecution's case.

The court observed that the investigation was rife with discrepancies and that the prosecution failed to prove its case. The court pointed out that the forensic science laboratory reports were inconsistent and contradictory. It also cast doubt on the reliability of the prosecution's non-expert witnesses.

The verdict lauds the courts for their patience and observes that the interests of justice have been served and fair play has been upheld. The case highlights the necessity for stricter procedures in drug-related cases. It also underscores the importance of the rule of law and impartial justice systems.

The acquittal of Sonjeet Singh, a decade after his initial arrest, sends a critical message that criminal cases, especially those with heinous accusations, must be prosecuted with the utmost diligence and fairness.

The justice system bears the responsibility of upholding the rights of the accused and delivering fair judgments. The conclusion of this drawn-out affair signifies the independence and robustness of our judiciary and sends a clear message that no individual is above the law.

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