Convict in drug case awarded 5 yrs RI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 25 2025: The Special Court (ND&PS) Manipur has sentenced Md Tomba alias Jaheruddin, a resident of Phoubakchao Makha Leikai, to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 for his involvement in a drug-related offence under Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act.

The hearing was conducted under the presiding Judge, Mona Lisa Maibam, on Saturday.

The court heard submissions from both the special public prosecutor (PP) and the legal aid defence counsel for the convict.

The Special PP highlighted that the place of occurrence was in the vicinity of Ramlal Paul School, which he argued warranted the imposition of a higher-than-minimum sentence under Section 32-B of the NDPS Act.

The PP emphasised that Manipur is facing a dire situation due to the ongoing drug menace and requested the maximum penalty for the convict.

On the other hand, the convict's defence counsel argued that Section 32-B was not applicable in this case as no minimum term of imprisonment was specified in Section 21(b) .

He requested leniency for the convict, pointing out that he had been a victim of circumstance, was now a family man with five children, and could be reformed and rehabilitated.

The judge, after reviewing the facts and arguments, sentenced Md Tomba alias Jaheruddin to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 .

The convict had already been in custody for 250 days, which will be Set off against his sentence.

He must pay the fine within six months or face an additional year of simple imprisonment.

As for the other convict, Md Tomba of Phoubakchao Awang Leikai, the matter has been scheduled for sentencing.

Warrants for his arrest, along with those for his sureties, remain pending for execution.

The case record will be presented once the convict is arrested or produced before the court, the judge ruled.

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