(1.) The issue at hand is the consideration for suspension of sentence in cases under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Act'). Sec. 37 of the Act is reproduced herein below:-
(2.) It must, however, be noted that the preceding Sec. 36 of the Act sets the tone as follows:-
(3.) One essential factual aspect which has to be noticed is the numerical data relating to the disposal and pendency of appeals under the Act. This Bench vide order dtd. 5/10/2021 directed the registry to provide year wise details of the pending appeals under the Act. The following information has been provided by the Registry in tabular form:-