Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau passed the sentence on drug addict Bantoo, dismissing his pleas for leniency and saying that a person cannot be allowed to kill another to satisfy his "physical cravings."
Considering the international practice of reforming addicts, the court, however, directed the jail superintendent to provide him de-addiction treatment.
"It is essential for the drug addicts to recognise that their addictive behaviour is on some level a choice and that they can choose differently," the court said while refusing Bantoo's plea for leniency.
The court, however, said the conviction cannot come in the way of reforming and providing de-addiction treatment to those held guilty for the heinous crime.
"World over, those convicted of addiction-related crimes are ordered into treatment as part of their sentences...," the court said.
According to police, 37-year-old Bantoo had murdered his handicapped drug addict friend Shyam after he refused to give him smack in March last year.
Both Bantoo and Shyam used to resort to begging in near Mahender Park in North West Delhi and buy smack from its proceeds. (More)