Accused under NDPS Act can’t seek property release sans proof of legitimate income: HC

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court has ruled that individuals facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act cannot claim the release of seized or frozen properties unless they can clearly prove that such assets—belonging to them or their family members—were not acquired through proceeds of illegal activities.
The court emphasised that the burden of proof lies entirely on the accused to establish a legitimate source of income for acquiring the properties mentioned in the freezing orders, especially when no supporting financial documentation is provided.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar made these observations while hearing a petition filed by Gundumulla Venkataiah, who was booked in two cases by Shadnagar police in Cyberabad in 2024 for the procurement and storage of Alprazolam, a controlled substance.
As per the provisions of the NDPS Act, police had attached 17 immovable properties acquired by Venkataiah and his family between 2018 and 2023. Additionally, they seized several vehicles and froze ₹4 lakh held in various bank accounts.
In his petition, Venkataiah challenged the police action, claiming that he had purchased the properties through income from real estate and agriculture. However, the court found discrepancies in his claims. As per his income tax returns filed between 2017 and 2023, his total declared income was only ₹35 lakh. The court noted the absence of any concrete evidence to support his claim of involvement in real estate or other businesses.
Consequently, the high court declined to grant any relief regarding the seized assets. However, it directed the trial court concerned to consider any fresh application submitted by the accused to unfreeze funds strictly for family necessities, livelihood, or medical expenses.