STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs JUGAMANDER LAL

The Supreme Court held that under Section 3(1) of the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956, a first offence mandates a sentence of imprisonment, not merely a fine. The Court clarified that the term 'punishable' implies an obligation to impose punishment, which includes imprisonment for a term not less than one year. The High Court's decision to enhance the fine without imposing imprisonment was overturned, reinforcing that the nature of punishment must align with the statutory requirements.