NDPS Act Cases Surge: Centre Orders Special Courts
India faces more and more accumulating benches of the cases filed under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. It is with a staggering number of nearly 3.96 lakh such cases pending in various courts.
As part of the trending news today, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all the State Governments and Union Territories to establish special NDPS courts. This is to speed up the trials in the NDPS cases.
The decision was held after several meetings over the last six months. This was when the Center looked into the status of the unresolved narcotic cases. Also, whether there are courts of special jurisdiction available.
Punjab, Kerala Among States Facing Heavy Pendency
J&K has the number of NDPS cases, which are pending resolution, over 30000. While Sikkim is among the states with the least number of pending cases.
Moreover, Punjab has the highest listed number of NDPS cases, not less than 60,000 is pending resolution, without designated special court. The MHA has proposed in the formulation of five designated courts in Ludhiana Jalandhar Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Sangrur states.
Also, Kerala has nearly 50,000 pending cases and only two NDPS courts. The Centre had suggested nine courts for the state. The state of Odisha with around 17,000 pending cases has announced plans to open 15 NDPS courts in next two years.
Only 65 Exclusive NDPS Courts Function Nationwide
During the review meeting, the NCB informed the Ministers that currently there are only 65 exclusive NDPS courts functioning in the country.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over frequent adjournments of drugs cases. So, it explains that all such cases have many accused, witnesses and lengthy proceedings.
The MHA has asked all states and UTs to update on action taken in the reporting of special courts setup as per SC directions. Meetings are being convened with High Court registrars to accelerate the work.
Numerous additional states have been urged to enhance their judicial systems:
- Tamil Nadu: 15,000+ cases to be settled, 5 courts working, 6 more to be set up.
- Karnataka: Flowed from the state map with about 15,000 unresolved cases, three courts, more indicated.
- Madhya Pradesh: Around 14,000 pending cases, no exclusive court; six new courts suggested.
- West Bengal: about 11,000 cases pending, no dedicated court Himachal Pradesh: ~11,000 pending cases, five new courts to be established, approval pending.
- Himachal Pradesh: Around 11,000 pending cases, proposal for five courts awaiting approval.
Government Intensifies Fight Against Drug Trafficking
The Centre views faster NDPS trials as a key pillar of its three-year strategy to combat drug trafficking, organised crime, and narco-terror financing. According to government data, NDPS cases increased sharply from 1.73 lakh between 2004-2014 to 8.75 lakh between 2014-2026. This was with arrests rising from 1.95 lakh to over 10.97 lakh.
Also, the Centre’s push for dedicated NDPS courts aims to reduce case pendency, improve conviction timelines, and strengthen India’s legal response against the growing drug menace.
