RESHAM SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) CONVICT -petitioner (herein-after referred to as the accused), stood convicted and sentenced for an offence under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs. One Lakh, and in default of payment thereof to undergo further RI for one year. The order of conviction and sentence was recorded by the trial Court i.e. Addl. Sessions Judge, Bhiwani, on 23/24.10.1996.

(2.) BRIEFLY stated, the accused as per the prosecution story was carrying 15 kgs of poppy husk, which was recovered from the rear seat of the driver's seat. Out of the recovered poppy husk, 100 grams was separated as sample and the remainder weighing 14 kgs 900 grams, were seized and taken into possession by the police. On trial, the accused stood convicted and sentenced on the dates mentioned above.

(3.) IT is argued by Mr. Dhanda, Assistant Advocate General, Haryana, that now it stands settled that any offence under the N.D.P.S. Act is a crime against the public/State and very serious in nature. The basic spectrum of social values of the society by such accused are mutilated and the courts are therefore bound to deal with such criminals with heavy hand for they are not only the enemy of the public at large but the State as well. Thus, the courts should be very firm in controlling the proceedings in such matters and should not grant bail to such accused, who are involved within the provisions of N.D.P.S. Act. In this regard he argued that the petitioner has been convicted by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Bhiwani, and on proper trial it was found that he was in possession of 15 Kgs of poppy husk, when apprehended by the police.