Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Allahabad High Court Quashes Detention in Codeine Syrup Cases
The Allahabad High Court considered detention orders against two men accused in cases about the illegal trade of Phensedyl cough syrup.
The men had asked the court to review their detention.
They argued that the orders were not properly considered.
Their lawyers also said a government rule exempts some medicines containing codeine from certain NDPS provisions, if they meet specific limits and conditions.
One petitioner had been in judicial custody since November 2025, according to the report.
The court allowed the petitions and cancelled both detention orders.
The report does not explain the court’s detailed reasons for its decision.
The Allahabad High Court allowed habeas corpus petitions filed by two men accused in cases involving codeine-based cough syrup.
The court quashed their detention orders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
The orders, dated July 7, related to investigations in Lucknow and Ghaziabad into alleged diversion and illegal trade of Phensedyl.
The petitioners argued that the detention orders showed non-application of mind and, in one case, relied on statements by co-accused.
Their counsel also argued that Phensedyl was exempt from NDPS provisions under a 1985 notification, subject to specified limits and conditions.
- Who
- The Allahabad High Court and two petitioners, Vibhor Rana and Vishal Singh.
- What
- The court allowed their habeas corpus petitions and quashed their preventive-detention orders under the PIT-NDPS Act.
- When
- The detention orders were dated July 7; the report is dated October 8 and identifies the hearing as Thursday, but gives no year.
- Where
- The cases concerned investigations in Lucknow and Ghaziabad; the order was passed by the Allahabad High Court.
- Why
- The petitioners challenged their detention orders. Their stated arguments included non-application of mind and the treatment of codeine-based Phensedyl under the NDPS Act.
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Judges
- Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev
- Petitioners
- Vibhor Rana and Vishal Singh
- Law cited
- Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988
- Detention order date
- July 7
- Product at issue
- Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup
- Notification cited
- A central government notification dated November 14, 1985, covering certain codeine preparations within stated limits and conditions