Only drug inspectors can probe, file FIRs for certain cognizable offences under D&C Act 1940: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently ruled that drug inspectors can carry out an investigation and file a first information report (FIR) related to cognizable offenses which are specified as under chapter IV of the Drug and Cosmetics Act 1940. Chapter IV of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, deals with the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics activities. Section 22(1)(d) of the Act, which deals with the powers of the ‘Inspector’, inter alia, enables the inspector to exercise such other powers as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose of Chapter IV or any Rules made thereunder. A police officer can register an FIR only if a cognizable offense, other than an offense falling under Chapter IV of the Act, is also made out. As far as FIRs that have already been filed are concerned, further investigation cannot be done by the Police officer. The recent judgment of the Supreme Court concluded that for offenses...