Quick Summary: In a recent decision, the Madras High Court lessened the punishment for a young man, Mohamed Hussen, involved in a marijuana case. This decision was made after considering his age and the fact that he had no previous criminal record.
On December 21, 2019, the police in Chennai got a tip about marijuana being sold near Srinivasapuram Railway Gate. The accused, Yasin and Mohamed Hussen, were reportedly selling the illegal substance from a Dio scooter.
"Officer PW1 received secret information about Yasin and Mohamed Hussen having and selling marijuana."
The police, led by Sub Inspector PW1, arrived at the location and spotted the suspects. While Yasin and Mohamed were caught, a third suspect got away. A search found 1.5 kg of marijuana with them.
"Yasin handed over the illegal marijuana... it weighed 1.500 kg."
The trial happened at the Special Court under the NDPS Act in Chennai. Both Yasin and Mohamed were found guilty under specific sections of the NDPS Act. Yasin later died, so his appeal was dropped.
Mohamed's appeal argued that there wasn't enough evidence to prove he was directly involved with the illegal substance. His lawyer claimed he was just with Yasin and didn't actively participate.
"Mohamed Hussen did not play any active role except being found with Yasin."
The court, led by Justice G. Arul Murugan, considered Mohamed's young age and clean record. His sentence was reduced to the time he had already spent in jail, but the fine was increased to Rs. 50,000.
"The sentence given...is reduced from one year of hard imprisonment to the time already served."
The court decided to reduce Mohamed's sentence due to his young age and clean record, while increasing the fine to Rs. 50,000.
