Home Case Index All Cases Indian Laws Indian Laws + SC Indian Laws - 2021 (4) TMI SC This
Forgot password New User/ Regiser ⇒ Register to get Live Demo
2021 (4) TMI 286 - SC - Indian LawsSmuggling - Heroin - sentence of 15 years R.I. with fine of ₹ 2 Lakhs and in default to undergo further one year R.I. - HELD THAT:- In the present case the appellant – original accused was found to be in possession of 1 kg heroin which is four times more than the minimum of commercial quantity. 250 gm and above of Narcotic substance/drug is a commercial quantity as per the NDPS Act. The minimum sentence provided under Section 21 of the Act is 10 years R.I. So far as the commercial quantity is concerned, it may be upto 20 years R.I. Therefore, the minimum sentence for commercial quantity shall not be less than 10 years, which may extend to 20 years with fine which shall not be less than ₹ 1 lakh but which may extend to ₹ 2 lakhs. Section 32B of the Act provides for factors to be taken into account for imposing higher than the minimum punishment. While imposing a punishment higher than the minimum term of the imprisonment or an amount of fine, the Court may take into account the factors enumerated in Section 32B of the Act. However, it is required to be noted that Section 32B of the Act itself further provides that the Court may, in addition to such factors as it may deem fit, take into account the factors for imposing a punishment higher than the minimum term of imprisonment or amount of fine as mentioned in Section 32B of the Act. Therefore, while imposing the punishment higher than the minimum term of imprisonment or amount of fine, the Court may take into account such factors as it may deem fit and also the factors enumerated/mentioned in Section 32B of the Act. Therefore, on fair reading of Section 32B of the Act, it cannot be said that while imposing a punishment higher than the minimum term of imprisonment or amount of fine, the Court has to consider only those factors which are mentioned/enumerated in Section 32B of the Act. In the present case the appellant - accused was found to be in possession of 1 kg heroin and he sold it to the informant. Therefore, he cannot be said to be a mere carrier. In given case, even a carrier who is having the knowledge that he is carrying with him narcotic substance/drugs and is found to be with huge commercial quantity of narcotic substance/drugs can be awarded the sentence higher than the minimum sentence provided under the Act - the accused was found to be in possession of 4 times higher than the minimum commercial quantity and therefore, the sentence imposed by the Learned Special Court imposing the sentence of 15 years R.I. with fine of ₹ 2 lakhs, confirmed by the High Court is not required to be interfered with by this Court. It cannot be said that while imposing such punishment the Court has taken into consideration any irrelevant factors. Merely because the accused is a poor man and/or a carrier and/or is a sole bread earner cannot be such mitigating circumstances in favour of the accused while awarding the sentence/punishment in the case of NDPS Act - Appeal dismissed.
|