The Supreme Court of India has ruled that snake venom does not fall within the ambit of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the quashing of criminal proceedings against Elvish Yadav in connection with a rave party case.
The case stemmed from allegations that snake venom was being used as a recreational substance during a party, prompting authorities to invoke provisions of the NDPS Act. However, the Court examined the legal framework and found that snake venom is neither classified as a narcotic drug nor a psychotropic substance under the statute.
In its decision, the Court emphasized that criminal liability under the NDPS Act must strictly adhere to substances explicitly listed or covered within its provisions. Since snake venom does not meet this criterion, applying the stringent law in such circumstances would be legally unsustainable.
The ruling resulted in the quashing of the case against Yadav under the NDPS Act, offering significant relief to the influencer. The Court clarified that while other laws may apply depending on the facts, the NDPS Act cannot be extended to substances beyond its defined scope.
This judgment reinforces the principle that penal statutes must be interpreted strictly, ensuring that individuals are not prosecuted under laws that do not clearly apply to the alleged conduct. It also highlights the importance of precise legal classification when dealing with cases involving unconventional or emerging substances.