JOGINDER RAM Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated February 17th, 2012 passed by Judge, Special Court, Patiala whereby, the accused-appellant was convicted for the offence under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Act, 1985 and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year and to pay fine of Rs.5000/- with default stipulation.

(2.) The appellant was convicted for possessing 22 kg of poppy husk which is non-commercial quantity.

(3.) At the outset, learned counsel for the appellant has stated that he does not challenge the judgment of conviction on merits and confines his arguments only regarding quantum of sentence. He further submitted that the appellant has already undergone actual sentence of about 7 months and 13 days. He has faced the agony of protracted criminal proceedings spreading over a period of 5 years. He is the only bread winner of his family.