10 years rigorous imprisonment for opium peddler
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 04 2022:
Special Judge ND&PS, Bishnupur has sentenced one Thangkhanhau Zou, who was arrested with 3 kg of opium, to 10 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
During the sentence hearing on Wednesday, the special public prosecutor prayed for awarding a minimum of 10 years along with Rs 1 lakh fine while arguing that the term can be extended up to 20 years along with Rs 2 lakh fine considering the gravity of his crime.
On the other hand, the defence counsel prayed for minimising prison term of the accused stating that it was his first crime and he is a 62-year-old diabetic patient.
The defence counsel also pointed out that Thangkhanhau belongs to a poor family and prayed for exempting the fine under Section 18(b) of ND&PS Act 1985.In response, the special PP said that the minimum penalty for this type of crime is 10 years and it cannot be treated under CrPC Section 360.Besides, there is no provision to exempt the monetary penalty.
After hearing both sides, the court sentenced the convict to 10 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh, which is payable within five years.
In case of non-payment of the fine, he will have to serve another six months of jail term.
The duration he spent in jail during the trial period will be commuted from the total sentence period and the jail SP should take up necessary steps to ensure regular medical check-up of the'convict, the judgment said.