- (1.) HEARD .
(2.) THIS is an appeal under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, to challenge sustainability of judgment of conviction dated 12.11.2003 and order of sentence dated 14.11.2003 passed by learned Special Judge, Ambala, convicting and sentencing the appellant to rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/ - and in default of payment of fine to further rigorous imprisonment of one year, under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 ('Act' for short), on proof of the accusation that he was found to have been in possession the poppy -straw weighing 22 kilograms without any permit or licence.
(3.) LEARNED counsel for the appellant very candidly submits that he has nothing to say as regards correctness of findings of conviction as recorded by the learned trial Court, but he prays for a lenient view as regards quantum of sentence. According to learned counsel, the appellant has been facing ordeal of tough investigation, protracted trial and subsequent proceedings since the year 2002 and that he is the only bread winner for his family.;