Bollywood / NCB has no jurisdiction, CBI should probe drugs case: Rhea to HC

MUMBAI: Actor Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik on Thursday sought bail from the Bombay high court in a drug case, saying the “investigation is illegal for want of jurisdiction."

Their counsel Satish Maneshinde submitted that the serious offence of "financing illicit traffic and harbouring" under section 27A of the NDPS Act must be read to relate only to commercial, and not small, quantities of drugs. He added the offence is bailable since no drugs were found in their possession and the allegations, if any, pertain to only a small quantitiy.

According to reports, Rhea and Showik have been booked by the NCB under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Now, their counsel Satish Maneshinde has said that ‘financing illicit traffic and harbouring’ under section 27A of the NDPS Act must be read to relate to commercial, and not small quantities of drugs.

According to TOI, Rhea’s counsel further said, “Based on the Supreme Court judgement transferring the (death) case to CBI, all future cases should also go to the CBI.” He then said that under a 1988 gazette CBI is empowered to investigate drug cases under the NDPS Act and which is why, the investigation carried out so far is illegal. 

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has adjourned the hearing for September 29 and until then, Rhea Chakraborty is expected to be lodged in Byculla Jail.