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Special law
➢ Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS)
Introduction__
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (the NDPS Act) was enacted to
consolidate and amend the law relating to narcotic drugs & was passed with the intent of
controlling drug abuse and prohibiting the use, distribution, manufacture, and trade of drugs.
Narcotic drugs are those that induce sleep, whereas psychotropic substances are those that
react with the mind and change it positively. The Parliament of India passed the NDPS Act on 14
November 1985. These types of drugs have their place in the practice of medicine.
Consequently, the Act includes provisions for the cultivation of cannabis, poppy, and coca
plants as well as the manufacturing of psychotropic substances in connection with the
cultivation of these plants.
Its primary objective

• Is to regulate the manufacturing, possession, sale, and transportation of drugs that are
considered narcotics or psychotropics. As a result of this act, 200 psychotropic
substances are prohibited from sale to walk-in customers. Prescriptions are required to
obtain these drugs. There have been multiple amendments to the law since it was
established.
• An individual is prohibited from manufacturing, producing, cultivating, possessing,
selling, purchasing, transporting, storing or consuming any drug or substance that is
considered narcotic or psychotropic without permission from the appropriate
authorities.
• Aim and object of the NDPS Act
To achieve the following objectives, the NDPS was enacted:

• To amend and consolidate the laws governing the use and possession of narcotic
drugs.
• To establish stringent provisions for the control, regulation, and supervision of the
illegal possession, sale, transit, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances.
• To provide a mechanism for forfeiting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,
as well as the properties derived from, or used in, illicit drug trafficking.
• To establish a mechanism for the implementation of the provisions of the
International Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as well as
for other purposes connected therewith.
 • Definitions__ section 2:
1[(i) “addict” means a person who has dependence on any narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance;]
(iii) “cannabis (hemp)” means—
(a) charas, that is, the separated resin, in whatever form, whether crude or purified, obtained
from the cannabis plant and also includes concentrated preparation and resin known as hashish
oil or liquid hashish;
(b) ganja, that is, the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and
leaves when not accompanied by the tops), by whatever name they may be known or
designated; and
(c) any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms of cannabis or
any rink prepared therefrom;
(iv) “cannabis plant” means any plant of the genus cannabis

2[(iva) “Central Government factories” means factories owned by the Central Government or
factories owned by any company in which the Central Government holds at least fifty-one per
cent. Of the paid-up share capital;]
(v) “coca derivative” means—
(a) crude cocaine, that is, any extract of coca leaf which can be used, directly or indirectly, for
the manufacture of cocaine;
(b) ecgonine and all the derivatives of ecgonine from which it can be recovered;
(c) cocaine, that is, methyl ester of benzoyl-ecgonine and its salts; and
(d) all preparations containing more than 0.1 per cent. Of cocaine;
(vi) “coca leaf” means—
(a) the leaf of the coca plant except a leaf from which all ecgonine, cocaine and any other
ecgonine alkaloids have been removed;
(b) any mixture thereof with or without any neutral material,

But does not include any preparation containing not more than 0.1 per cent. Of cocaine;
(vii) “coca plant” means the plant of any species of the genus Frythroxylon;
(viib) “controlled delivery” means the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consignments of
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled substances or substances substituted for
them to pass out of, or through or into the territory of India with the knowledge and under the
supervision of an officer empowered in this behalf or duly authorised under section 50A with a
view to identifying the persons involved in the commission of an offence under this Act.
4[5[(viid)] “controlled substance” means any substance which the Central Government may,
having regard to the available information as to its possible use in the production or
manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or to the provisions of any
International Convention, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be a controlled
substance;]

2[(viiia) “essential narcotic drug” means a narcotic drug notified by the Central Government
for medical and scientific use;]
4[6[(viiib)] “illicit traffic”, in relation to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, means—
(i) Cultivating any coca plant or gathering any portion of coca plant;
(ii) Cultivating the opium poppy or any cannabis plant;
(iii) Engaging in the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase,
transportation, warehousing, concealment, use or consumption, import
inter-State, export inter-State, import into India, export from India or
transhipment, of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances;

(iv) dealing in any activities in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances other than those
referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (iii); or
(iv) Handling or letting out any premises for the carrying on of any of the
activities referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (iv),

Other than those permitted under this Act, or any rule or order made, or any condition of any
licence, term or authorisation issued, thereunder, and includes—
(1) financing, directly or indirectly, any of the aforementioned activities;
(2) abetting or conspiring in the furtherance of or in support of doing any of the
aforementioned activities; and
(3) harbouring persons engaged in any of the afore-mentioned activities;]
(xi) “manufactured drug” means—
(a) all coca derivatives, medicinal cannabis, opium derivatives and poppy straw concentrate;

(b) any other narcotic substance or preparation which the Central Government may, having
regard to the available information as to its nature or to a decision, if any, under any
International Convention, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be a manufactured
drug,
But does not include any narcotic substance or preparation which the Central Government
may, having regard to the available information as to its nature or to a decision, if any, under
any International Convention, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare not to be a
manufactured drug;
But does not include any narcotic substance or preparation which the Central Government
may, having regard to the available information as to its nature or to a decision, if any, under
any International Convention, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare not to be a
manufactured drug;
(xiv) “narcotic drug” means coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, popy straw and includes all
manufactured drugs;
(xv) “opium” means—

(a) the coagulated juice of the opium poppy; and

(b) any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of the coagulated juice of the opium
poppy,
But does not include any preparation containing not more than 0.2 per cent. Of morphine;
(xxiii)Psychotropic substance” means any substance, natural or synthetic, or any natural
material or any salt or preparation of such substance or material included in the list of
psychotropic substances specified in the Schedule;

• Section 8 __ prohibition of certain operations.

No person shall –
(a) Cultivate any coca plant or gather any Portion of coca plant; or
(b) Cultivate the opium poppy or any cannabis plant or
(c) produce, manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, warehouse, use, consume,
import inter-State, export inter-State, import into India, export from India or tranship
any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance .
The said Sections contains the following exceptions:

Provided that, and subject to the other provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder,
the prohibition against the cultivation of the cannabis plant for the production of ganja or the
production, possession, use, consumption, purchase, sale, transport, warehousing, import
inter-State and export inter-State of ganja for any purpose other than medical and scientific
purpose shall take effect only from the date which the Central Government may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf
1[Provided further that nothing in this section shall apply to the export of poppy straw for
decorative purposes.]
In State Of Uttaranchal vs Rajesh Kumar Gupta(2006), it was held that the exceptions must be
judged on two criteria: first, whether the drugs are used for medicinal purposes, and second,
whether they fall within the scope of the regulatory provisions contained in Chapters VI and VII
of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules, 1985.

• Section 15__Punishment for contravention in relation to poppy straw.

Section 15 of the Act provides for the act of production, possession, transportation, selling,
purchasing or any other involvement that shall lead to an offence under the provisions of this
Section. The punishments have been decided on the basis of the quantity of poppy straw
involved in the whole transaction.

Small quantity of poppy straw may lead up to one year of rigorous imprisonment, or with fine,
extending up to ten thousand rupees, or both. A quantity which is greater than the small
quantity but fewer than the commercial quantity shall invite rigorous imprisonment up to ten
years and a fine up to one lakh rupees. In case of a transaction involving a commercial quantity
of poppy straw, the punishment includes rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than ten
years and extendable up to twenty years along with a fine, not less than one lakh rupees but
can be up to two lakh rupees.
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees.]

• Section 16_Punishment for contravention in relation to coca plant and coca leaves .

Section 16 of the Act provides for the provisions in contravention of the rules made under the
Act regarding the cultivation, production, possession, selling, purchasing, transportation and
any other activity with respect to the violation of the provisions this Act. The punishment for
the offence under the Section includes rigorous imprisonment up to a term of ten years along
with a fine extending up to one lakh rupees.

• Section 17_ Punishment for contravention in relation to prepared opium

Section 17 of the Act provides for the provisions dealing with activities in violation of the Act
with respect to prepared opium. This Section bars the process of manufacturing, possession,
selling, purchasing, transportation or usage of prepared opium. It has been identified as a
substance with the capacity to harm an individual, physically or mentally with its ingredients.
The punishments for either of the restricted activities carried out by an individual are similar to
that of poppy straw, listed under Section 15.
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees.]
 • Section 18__ Punishment for contravention in relation to opium poppy and
opium.Previous
Section 18 of the Act provides for the process of manufacturing, purchasing, production,
possession, transportation or selling of opium poppy and opium as an act being in
contravention of the provisions under this Act.

(a) Where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which may extend to 2[one year], or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or
with both;
(b) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years, and shall
also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees which may extend to two lakh
rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees;
(C) in any other case, with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to ten years and with fine
which may extend to one lakh rupees.]

• Section 19__Punishment for embezzlement of opium by cultivator.

Section 19 of the Act provides for an act identified as embezzlement of opium, which is in
violation of the provisions under the Act and hence, an offence characterized under Chapter IV.
Any person who embezzles, himself or involved in the activity, or otherwise illegally disposes off
the opium shall be held liable under this Section. The punishment for this offence includes
rigorous imprisonment of a term not less than ten years with an extension of up to twenty
years along with a fine, not being less than one lakh rupees provided: it can be increased up to
two lakh rupees.

• Section 20__ Punishment for contravention in relation to cannabis plant and

cannabis.

Whoever, in contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule or order made or condition of
licence granted thereunder,--
(a) cultivates any cannabis plant; or
(b) produces, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State, exports
inter-State or uses cannabis,
Shall be punishable,--
1[(i) where such contravention relates to clause (a) with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh
rupees; and

(ii) where such contravention relates to sub-clause (b),--

(A) and involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to
2[one year], or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both;
(B) and involves quantity lesser than commercial quantity but greater than small quantity, with
rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and with fine which may
extend to one lakh rupees;
(c) and involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years and shall also be liable to fine which
shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees.]

• Section 21__ Punishment for contravention in relation to manufactured drugs and

preparations.
Section 21 of the Act provides for an offence of manufacturing, possession, selling, purchasing,
transportation, or usage of any manufactured drug or its preparation as an act in contravention
of the provisions under the Act.
Shall be punishable,--
(a) where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which may extend to 2[one year], or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or
with both;
(b) where the contravention involves quantity, lesser than commercial quantity but greater
than small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and
with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees;

(c) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years, and shall
also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two
lakh rupees:

Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees.]

• Section 22__ Punishment for contravention in relation to psychotropic substances.

provides for any act or rule in relation to the process of manufacturing, transportation, selling,
purchasing, possession or usage of psychotropic drugs may lead to an offence according to this
Section.

shall be punishable,--
(a) where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which may extend to 2[one year], or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or
with both;

(b) where the contravention involves quantity lesser than commercial quantity but greater than
small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and with
fine .
(c) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years, and shall
also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two
lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding two lakh rupees.]

• Section 23__ Punishment for illegal import in to India, export from India or
transhipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Provides for import to India or export from India of any illegal drug specified under the Act. The
transhipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are restricted under the legal
parlance under the scope of this Act. The punishments for the offence includes the similar
three-tier punishment system followed everywhere under the Act.

• Section 27__Punishment for consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic

substance
Provides for the act of consuming any narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances which is an
offence for the purpose of the Act. Any person consuming substances such as morphine,
cocaine, diacetyl-morphine and any other drug later specified as one by the central government
under a notification shall lead to rigorous imprisonment for a term extending up to one year or
fine up to twenty thousand rupees, or both.
Any narcotic drug or a psychotropic substance, other than those included in the list, shall lead
to imprisonment up to six months or fine up to ten thousand rupees, or both.

• Section 30__ Preparation. (Mix various drugs and make one)

If any person makes preparation to do or omits to do anything which constitutes an offence

punishable under any of the provisions of 1[sections 19, 24 and 27A and for offences involving
commercial quantity of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance and from the
circumstances of the case] it may be reasonably inferred that he was determined to carry out
his intention to commit the offence but had been prevented by circumstances independent of
his will, he shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than one-half of the minimum term (if any), but which may extend to one-half of the maximum
term, of imprisonment with which he would have been punishable in the event of his having
committed such offence, and also with fine which shall not be less than one-half of the
minimum amount (if any), of fine with which he would have been punishable, but which may
extend to one-half of the maximum amount of fine with which he would have ordinarily (that is
to say in the absence of special reasons) been punishable, in the event aforesaid:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the Judgment, impose a higher fine.

• Section 31__ Enhanced punishment for offences after previous conviction

(1) If any person who has been convicted of the commission of, or attempt to commit, or
abetment of, or criminal conspiracy to commit, any of the offences punishable under this Act is
subsequently convicted of the commission of, or attempt to commit, or abetment of, or
criminal conspiracy to commit, an offence punishable under this Act with the same amount of
punishment shall be punished for the second and every subsequent offence with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2[one and one-half times of the maximum term
of imprisonment, and also be liable to fine which shall extend to 3[one and one-half times of
the maximum amount] of fine.
(2) Where the person referred to in sub-section (1) is liable to be punished with a minimum
term of imprisonment and to a minimum amount of fine, the minimum punishment for such
person shall be 4[one and one-half times of the minimum term of imprisonment and 5[one and
one-half times of the minimum amount] of fine:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding the fine for which a person is liable.
(3) Where any person is convicted by a competent court of criminal jurisdiction outside India
under any corresponding law, such person, in respect of such conviction, shall be dealt with for
the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2) as if he had been convicted by a court in India.]

• Section 32__Punishment for offence for which no punishment is provided.

Whoever contravenes any provision of this Act or any rule or order made, or any condition of
any licence, permit or authorisation issued thereunder for which no punishment is separately
provided in this Chapter, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to six months, or with fine, or with both.

• Section 32A__No suspension, remission or commutation in any sentence awarded

under this Act
1[32A. No suspension, remission or commutation in any sentence awarded under this Act.—
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), or
any other law for the time being in force but subject to the provisions of section 33, no
sentence awarded under this Act (other than section 27) shall be suspended or remitted or
commuted.]

• Section 32(b)__ factors to be taken into account for imposing higher than the
minimum punishment.
Where a minimum term of imprisonment or amount of fine is prescribed for any offence
committed under this Act, the court may, in addition to such factors as it may deem fit, take
into account the following factors for imposing a punishment higher than the minimum term of
imprisonment or amount of fine, namely:--
(a) the use or threat of use of violence or arms by the offender;
(b) the fact that the offender holds a public office and that he has taken advantage of that
office in committing the offence;
(c)the fact that the minors are affected by the offence or the minors are used for the
commission of an offence
(d) the fact that the offence is committed in an educational institution or social service facility
or in the immediate vicinity of such institution or faculty or in other place to which school
children and students resort for educational, sports and social activities;
(e)the fact that the offender belongs to organised international or any other criminal group
which is involved in the commission of the offence; and
(f) the fact that the offender is involved in other illegal activities facilitated by commission of
the offence

• Section 37__ Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),--
(a) every offence punishable under this Act shall be cognizable;
(b) no person accused of an offence punishable for 1[offences under section 19 or section 24 or
section 27A and also for offences involving commercial quantity] shall be released on bail or on
his own bond unless—
(i) the Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity to oppose the application for such
release, and
(ii) where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the court is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offence and that he is not likely to
commit any offence while on bail.

(2) The limitations on granting of bail specified in clause (b) of sub-section (1) are in addition to
the limitations under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) or any other law for the
time being in force on granting of bail.]

• Section 42__Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant or

authorisation.

Section 42 of the Act states that an officer can legally search and arrest a person if he believes
that the time required for a warrant will enable the person to hide or destroy such contraband.
The officer should record such reasons before the search and inform the matter to his
immediate superior within 72 hours. The Act also provides certain rights to the person who is
being searched, i.e., right to have a Magistrate or Gazetted officer present during the time of
search and the person must be informed of this right by the officer. A woman must be searched
by another woman only.
(a) enter into and search any such building, conveyance or place;

(b) in case of resistance, break open any door and remove any obstacle to such entry;
(c) seize such drug or substance and all materials used in the manufacture thereof and any
other article and any animal or conveyance which he has reason to believe to be liable to
confiscation under this Act and any document or other article which he has reason to believe
may furnish evidence of the commission of any offence punishable under this Act or furnish
evidence of holding any illegally acquired property which is liable for seizure or freezing or
forfeiture under Chapter VA of this Act; and
(d)detain and search, and, if he thinks proper, arrest any person whom he has reason to believe
to have committed any offence punishable under this Act:

(2) Where an officer takes down any information in writing under sub-section (1) or records
grounds for his belief under the proviso thereto, he shall within seventy-two hours send a copy
thereof to his immediate official superior.
2[Provided that in respect of holder of a licence for manufacture of manufactured drugs or
psychotropic substances or controlled substances granted under this Act or any rule or order
made thereunder, such power shall be exercised by an officer not below the rank of sub-
inspector:

• Section 43__Power of seizure and arrest in public place.

Any officer of any of the departments mentioned in section 42 may
(a) seize in any public place or in transit, any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or
controlled substance in respect of which he has reason to believe an offence punishable under
this Act has been committed, and, along with such drug or substance, any animal or
conveyance or article liable to confiscation under this Act, any document or other article which
he has reason to believe may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence punishable
under this Act or any document or other article which may furnish evidence of holding any
illegally acquired property which is liable for seizure or freezing or forfeiture under Chapter VA
of this Act;
(b) detain and search any person whom he has reason to believe to have committed an offence
punishable under this Act, and if such person has any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance
or controlled substance in his possession and such possession appears to him to be unlawful,
arrest him and any other person in his company.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression “public place” includes any
public conveyance, hotel, shop, or other place intended for use by, or accessible to, the public.]

• Section 44__ Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest in offences relating to coca
plant, opium poppy and cannabis plant.

The provisions of sections 41, 42 and 43, shall so far as may be, apply in relation to the offence
punishable under Chapter IV and relating to coca plant, the opium poppy or cannabis plant and
for this purpose references in those sections to narcotic drugs, or psychotropic substance 1[or
controlled substance], shall be construed as including references to coca plant, the opium
poppy and cannabis plant.

• Section 45__ Procedure where seizure of goods liable to confiscation not practicable.
Where it is not practicable to seize any goods (including standing crop) which are liable to
confiscation under this Act, any officer duly authorised under section 42 may serve on the
owner or person in possession of the goods, an order that he shall not remove, part with or
otherwise deal with the goods except with the previous permission of such officer.

• Section 49__Power to stop and search conveyance.

Any officer authorised under section 42, may, if he has reason to suspect that any animal or
conveyance is, or is about to be, used for the transport of any narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance 1[or controlled substance], in respect of which he suspects that any provision of this
Act has been, or is being, or is about to be, contravened at any time, stop such animal or
conveyance, or, in the case of an aircraft, compel it to land and—
(a) rummage and search the conveyance or part thereof;

(b) examine and search any goods on the animal or in the conveyance;
(c) if it becomes necessary to stop the animal or the conveyance, he may use all lawful means
for stopping it, and where such means fail, the animal or the conveyance may be fired upon.

• Section 50__ Conditions under which search of persons shall be conducted.

(1) When any officer duly authorised under section 42 is about to search any person under the
provisions of section 41, section 42 or section 43, he shall, if such person so requires, take such
person without unnecessary delay to nearest Gazetted Officer of any of the departments
mentioned in section 42 or to the nearest Magistrate.
(2) If such requisition is made, the officer may detain the person until he can bring him before
the Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate referred to in sub-section (1).

(3) The Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate before whom any such person is brought shall, if he
sees no reasonable ground for search, forthwith discharge the person but otherwise shall direct
that search be made.
(4) No female shall be searched by anyone excepting a female.

[(5) When an officer duly authorised under section 42 has reason to believe that it is not
possible to take the person to be searched to the nearest Gazetted Officer or Magistrate
without the possibility of the person to be searched parting with possession of any narcotic
drug or psychotropic substance, or controlled substance or article or document, he may,
instead of taking such person to the nearest Gazetted Officer or Magistrate, proceed to search
the person as provided under section100 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
(6) After a search is conducted under sub-section (5), the officer shall record the reasons for
such belief which necessitated such search and within seventy-two hours send a copy thereof
to his immediate official superior.]

• Section 52__Disposal of persons arrested and articles seized.

(1) Any officer arresting a person under section 41, section 42, section 43 or section 44 shall, as
soon as may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.
(2) Every person arrested and article seized under warrant issued under sub-section (1) of
section 41 shall be forwarded without unnecessary delay to the Magistrate by whom the
warrant was issued.

(3) Every person arrested and article seized under sub-section (2) of section 41, section 42,
section 43 or section 44 shall be forwarded without unnecessary delay to—
(a) the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station, or
(b) the officer empowered under section 53.
(4) The authority or officer to whom any person or article is forwarded under sub-section (2) or
sub-section (3) shall, with all convenient despatch, take such measures as may be necessary for
the disposal according to law of such person or article.