Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
63. Procedure in making confiscations.
(1) In the trial of offences under this Act, whether the accused
is convicted or acquitted or discharged, the court shall decide whether any
article or thing seized under this Act is liable to confiscation under section
60 or section 61 or section 62 and, if it decides that the article is so
liable, it may order confiscation accordingly.
(2) Where any article or thing seized under this Act appears to
be liable to confiscation under section 60 or section 61 or section 62, but the
person who committed the offence in connection therewith is not known or cannot
be found, the court may inquire into and decide such liability, and may order
confiscation accordingly:
Provided that no order of confiscation of an article or
thing shall be made until the expiry of one month from the date of seizure, or
without hearing any person who may claim any right thereto and the evidence, if
any, which he produces in respect of his claim:
Provided further that if any such articles or thing,
other than a narcotic drug, psychotropic substance, the opium poppy, coca plant
or cannabis plant is liable to speedy and natural decay, or if the court is of
opinion that its sale would be for the benefit of its owner, it may at any time
direct it to be sold; and the provisions of this sub-section shall, as nearly
as may be practicable, apply to the net proceeds of the sale.
(3) Any person not convicted who claims any right to property
which has been confiscated under this section may appeal to the Court of
Session against the order of confiscation.