RAFIQ QURESHI vs NARCOTIC CONTROL BUREAU EASTERN ZONAL UNIT

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction under Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, affirming the sentence of eight years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 2 lakh rupees imposed by the lower court. The Court clarified that the minimum sentence prescribed under Section 32(B) must be adhered to unless exceptional circumstances are presented. The appeal was dismissed, maintaining the lower court's decision regarding the severity of the sentence based on the nature of the offense.