Manipur NDPS Court Sentences Drug Trafficker to 10Years, Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Fine
Summary
On July 25, 2025, a Special Court under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Imphal sentenced 43-year-old Lunkhongam Haokip of Langkhong village, Kangpokpi district, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh for trafficking narcotics under Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The court, presided over by Judge Monalisa Maibam, set off the 1,012 days Lunkhongam Haokip spent in custody against his sentence and ordered that failure to pay the fine within six months would result in an additional one-year term of simple imprisonment
In-Depth Article
1. Understanding the Verdict
When you hear “10 years rigorous imprisonment” you might picture a scene straight out of a courtroom drama—and that’s exactly what played out in Imphal on July 25, 2025. The Special Court under the NDPS Act handed down a decade-long sentence to Lunkhongam Haokip for trafficking narcotic drugs, coupled with a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh. In case he can’t muster the funds within six months, the law stipulates he’ll serve an extra year behind bars
2. The Man Behind Bars: Lunkhongam Haokip
Lunkhongam Haokip, a 43-year-old resident of Langkhong village in Kangpokpi district, stood accused of transporting and distributing controlled substances across Manipur. According to the charge sheet, he was apprehended after sleuths uncovered a network that funneled drugs from border areas into local towns. His conviction under Section 21(c)—which deals with commercial quantities—reflects the gravity of his offence and the State’s resolve to clamp down on large-scale trafficking
3. What Does Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act Mean?
Imagine you’re playing with fire—you know it’s dangerous, but you do it anyway. Section 21(c) is the part of India’s NDPS Act that says if you deal in “commercial quantities” of narcotics, you face a minimum of 10 years rigorous imprisonment and can be fined up to Rs 1 crore. The term “commercial quantity” varies by substance—in Haokip’s case, the court agreed the amount he trafficked fell squarely into that bracket
4. The Courtroom Drama
In a setting as tense as a high-stakes poker game, both sides laid their cards on the table. The prosecution painted Lunkhongam Haokip as a cog in a well-oiled trafficking machine, while the defence emphasized his lack of criminal history, his role as a family breadwinner, and his wife’s ailing health. Despite heartfelt pleas, Judge Monalisa Maibam ruled that the scale of the crime demanded the statutory minimum penalty, making it clear that sympathy must bow to the law’s letter when public safety is at stake
Time Served: A Crucial Offset
Here’s where things get a bit technical but critically important: Haokip had already spent 1,012 days in judicial custody awaiting trial and verdict. Under Section 428 of the Criminal Procedure Code, time served is set off against the final sentence. So, instead of hauling him back for a full ten years from July 25, 2025, the court credited those days—essentially shaving off nearly three years from his remaining term
The Fine That Packs a Punch
A one-lakh-rupee fine might not sound like a blockbuster sum in today’s world of crores and billions, but when you’re behind bars, money is power—and this penalty sends a strong signal. Pay up within six months, or be prepared to add another year of simple imprisonment to an already daunting sentence. It’s a legal stick-and-carrot approach: pay the fine, or do more time
Comparative Lens: Regional Precedents
Neighboring Mizoram recently handed down a 14-year sentence to Seikholen Khongsai for trafficking 1.64 kg of heroin, coupled with a Rs 1 lakh fine—underscoring a trend of stringent enforcement under Section 21(c) across the Northeast . Together, these rulings signal that the region’s special courts are wielding the NDPS Act’s toughest provisions to send a clear message: drug lords, beware.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What constitutes a “commercial quantity” under the NDPS Act?
The NDPS Act’s Schedule specifies different thresholds for each drug—for example, over 2 grams of heroin qualifies. Under Section 21(c), dealing in commercial quantities triggers a minimum 10 years imprisonment and hefty fines. - Can the convicted person appeal this verdict?
Yes. Under Indian law, Haokip can file an appeal in the High Court within 30 days of the judgment. - How does “rigorous imprisonment” differ from “simple imprisonment”?
Rigorous imprisonment includes hard labor and more stringent confinement, while simple imprisonment does not mandate labor requirements. - What happens if the convict can’t pay the fine?
Failure to pay Rs 1 lakh within six months results in an additional year of simple imprisonment, as ordered by the court. - Are there rehabilitation programs available in Manipur for drug offenders?
Manipur hosts several government and NGO-run rehab centers, though capacity remains limited. Expanding these facilities is a continuing policy focus.
