A businessman in India was awarded 10 lakh rupees (£9,000) in compensation after spending 57 days in jail due to airport security equipment mistakenly identifying common cooking spices as heroin. The incident occurred at Bhopal airport in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Arrest and Detention
The man was arrested under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act when explosive trace detection machines flagged garam masala (a spice blend) and aamchur (dried mango powder) as containing heroin and a psychotropic substance. Following the alert, he was taken into custody and held in jail pending further investigation.
Forensic Analysis Delays
Samples from the seized spices were initially sent to a regional forensic laboratory, which lacked the capability to test for the suspected substances. They were subsequently forwarded to a central laboratory in Hyderabad. After weeks of analysis, the Hyderabad lab confirmed that no contraband was present. By then, the businessman had already spent 57 days in detention.
Court Ruling
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the state was vicariously liable for violating the man's fundamental right to liberty. The court criticised the inadequate forensic infrastructure, which caused the prolonged detention. It awarded the businessman 10 lakh rupees (£9,000) in compensation, to be paid within three months. Additionally, the court stated that the man could pursue further civil damages if he wished.
The case highlights the risks of relying on sensitive security equipment without proper confirmatory testing and the need for improved forensic facilities to prevent similar miscarriages of justice.
