(1) When any addict is found guilty
of an offence punishable under section 27 1[or for offences relating to small quantity of any narcotic drug
or psychotropic substance] and if the court by which he is found guilty is of the opinion, regard being had
to the age, character, antecedents or physical or mental condition of the offender, that it is expedient so to
do, then, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the
court may, instead of sentencing him at once to any imprisonment, with his consent, direct that he be
released for undergoing medical treatment for de-toxification or de-addiction from a hospital or an
institution maintained or recognised by Government and on his entering into a bond in the form
prescribed by the Central Government, with or without sureties, to appear and furnish before the court
within a period not exceeding one year, a report regarding the result of his medical treatment and, in the
meantime, to abstain from the commission of any offence under Chapter IV.
(2) If it appears to the court, having regard to the report regarding the result of the medical treatment furnished under sub-section (1), that it is expedient so to do, the court may direct the release of the offender after due admonition on his entering into a bond in the form prescribed by the Central Government, with or without sureties, for abstaining from the commission of any offence under Chapter IV during such period not exceeding three years as the court may deem fit to specify or on his failure so to abstain, to appear before the court and receive sentence when called upon during such period.
(2) If it appears to the court, having regard to the report regarding the result of the medical treatment furnished under sub-section (1), that it is expedient so to do, the court may direct the release of the offender after due admonition on his entering into a bond in the form prescribed by the Central Government, with or without sureties, for abstaining from the commission of any offence under Chapter IV during such period not exceeding three years as the court may deem fit to specify or on his failure so to abstain, to appear before the court and receive sentence when called upon during such period.
1. Ins. by Act 9 of 2001, s. 18 (w.e.f. 2-10-2001).