The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over delays and lapses in a narcotics case involving the seizure of over one kilogram of heroin. While hearing a plea filed by the Union of India, the court summoned senior officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to personally explain the handling of the matter.
Background of the Case
The case arises from a 2021 incident in which the respondent, Abid Pervez alias Azad Pervez, was allegedly found in conscious possession of 1.045 kg of heroin. The Gauhati High Court had granted him bail on April 20, 2024, citing slow progress in trial and limited examination of witnesses.
Challenging this order, the Union of India approached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition. However, the petition itself was filed months later, in November 2025, raising questions about procedural delay.
Court’s Observations
A Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih noted several troubling aspects of the case. The court observed that despite the seriousness of the offence, only a few witnesses had been examined, and the reasons for such delay were not clear from the record.
“The Court is constrained to pass this order,” the Bench remarked, pointing to the lack of explanation regarding delayed filing and poor follow-up on service of notice.
The judges also noted that even after directions were issued for service through the Superintendent of Police, no compliance report was placed before the court.
Court’s Decision
Taking a strict view, the Supreme Court directed the Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Inspector General, NCB Guwahati, to remain personally present on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 12, 2026, with the court indicating that accountability in serious narcotics cases cannot be taken lightly.
Case Title: Union of India vs Abid Pervez @ Azad Pervez
Case No.: SLP (Crl.) No. 21025 of 2025
Decision Date: 27 January 2026
