If any person makes preparation to do or omits to do anything which constitutes
an offence punishable under any of the provisions of 1[sections 19, 24 and 27A and for offences
involving commercial quantity of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance and from the
circumstances of the case] it may be reasonably inferred that he was determined to carry out his intention
to commit the offence but had been prevented by circumstances independent of his will, he shall be
punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one-half of the minimum
term (if any), but which may extend to one-half of the maximum term, of imprisonment with which he
would have been punishable in the event of his having committed such offence, and also with fine which
shall not be less than one-half of the minimum amount (if any), of fine with which he would have been
punishable, but which may extend to one-half of the maximum amount of fine with which he would have
ordinarily (that is to say in the absence of special reasons) been punishable, in the event aforesaid:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the Judgment, impose a higher fine.
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the Judgment, impose a higher fine.
1. Subs. by Act 9 of 2001, s. 11, for certain words, figures and brackets (w.e.f. 2-10-2001).