Srinagar, Oct 7: Observing that the menace of drug abuse is having an alarming impact on society, the Special Judge (NDPS Cases) Jammu sentenced a drug peddler to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs one lakh for possessing 1.5 kg of charas.
The court presided over by Special Judge Parvaiz Iqbal, convicted Sajjad Ahmed Bhat of Anantnag under Section 20 read with Section 8 of the NDPS Act in a case with FIR No. 89/2018 registered at Police Station Nagrota.
The court noted that the commercial quantity of charas was being transported from Kashmir towards Jammu when Bhat was apprehended at TCP Nagrota on highway on April 16, 2018.
While the prosecution sought stern punishment, arguing that drug trafficking was destroying families and adversely affecting the younger generation, the defence sought leniency on the grounds that Bhat was a first-time offender, had no criminal antecedents, was working as a driver and was the sole breadwinner of his family. It also pointed to his prolonged custody and scope for reformation.
The court, however, held that undue leniency could not be shown in view of the binding precedents of the Supreme Court and the adverse impact of narcotics on society. At the same time, it took into account the convict’s first-offender status, family circumstances, young age and absence of previous criminal involvement.
Subsequently the court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, with six months’ RI in default of payment.
The court said the sentencing order was aimed not merely at punishment but also at the convict’s self-introspection, reformation and reintegration into society, invoking the principle: “Hate the Sin, Not the Sinner.”
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