Question

What is the punishment for illegal import of narcotic and psychotropic drugs lesser than commercial quantity and greater than small quantity?

• A. Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years or fine up to Rs.1 lakh.
• B. Rigorous imprisonment for not less than 10-20 years and fine not less than Rs.1 lakh to 2 lakh.
• C. Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine not less than Rs.2 lakh.
• D. Rigorous imprisonment not less than 20 years and fine not less than to Rs.3 lakh.

Hint:

Intermediate quantity = Up to 10 years. Commercial quantity = 10 to 20 years.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act defines penalties based on the quantity of the prohibited substance involved: small, intermediate, or commercial.

Step 2: Meaning
Intermediate quantity refers to any amount that falls between the government-specified "small" and "commercial" limits.

Step 3: Analysis
For commercial quantities, the punishment is 10–20 years. However, for intermediate quantities (greater than small but less than commercial), the law prescribes rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and a fine up to 1 lakh rupees.

Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, option A represents the correct legal penalty for intermediate quantities.

Final Answer: (A)