STATE OF GUJARAT vs LALAJI VALAJI THAKOR Advocate - S S RATHOD — 3100/2025

Summary The Gujarat High Court modified the sentence of an accused convicted under the Gujarat Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (Section 66(1)(b) and 85(1)). The court reduced the custodial sentence based on extenuating circumstances—including the accused's poverty, status as a first-time offender, and sole family earner—which the trial judge had failed to consider. The court held that courts possess discretion to impose reduced sentences when special circumstances warrant it, and accordingly reduced the punishment while imposing a fine of ₹100 in lieu of imprisonment. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.