P&H: NDPS - Cultivation Of Opium Poppy Falls Under Section 18(c) NDPS, Not S.18(b); Suspends 20-Year Sentence, Remands For Limited Sentencing

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Ss.8, 18(b), 18(c), 2(xvii), 2(xviii), 2(viia), 2(xxiiia) - Opium poppy cultivation and possession of poppy plants — Court clarifies that contraventions involving cultivation/possession of opium poppy plants are punishable u/s 18(c) and “small” or “commercial” quantity classifications are not separately specified for cultivation in view of Notification — Trial court’s treatment of poppy plants as “commercial quantity” opium u/s 18(b) is contrary to statutory scheme. (Paras 15 to 18] Constitution of