MHA Pushes States to Set Up NDPS Courts Amid 3.9 Lakh Pending Cases

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to establish exclusive courts for cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, citing a nationwide backlog of nearly 3.96 lakh pending drug-related cases. The Centre's push comes after it found that 22 states and Union Territories are yet to set up dedicated NDPS courts despite the growing number of pending prosecutions. The move is aimed at speeding up trials and strengthening the country's response to drug-related offences.

Over the past six months, the MHA has held a series of meetings with chief secretaries and home secretaries of states and Union Territories to review the progress of setting up special NDPS courts. During these discussions, the ministry stressed the need for dedicated judicial infrastructure to ensure faster disposal of narcotics cases and reduce the burden on regular courts. The issue was again reviewed in a meeting held last month, where the extent of the backlog across several states was assessed.

Punjab emerged as one of the states with the highest pendency, recording nearly 60,000 unresolved NDPS cases despite not having a single exclusive special court. During the meeting, the MHA reportedly suggested that the state establish five dedicated NDPS courts to handle the mounting caseload. Officials believe such courts would significantly improve the pace of hearings and reduce delays in the justice delivery system for narcotics-related offences.

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Kerala also figured prominently in the review, with around 50,000 pending NDPS cases despite having only two exclusive special courts. The figures highlighted stark disparities in judicial infrastructure across states, with several regions struggling to cope with the increasing number of drug-related prosecutions. The Centre has urged state governments to assess their case load and establish an adequate number of dedicated courts based on local requirements.

The NDPS Act provides the legal framework for dealing with offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. Timely trials under the Act are considered essential not only for ensuring justice but also for strengthening efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime. Delays in case disposal can result in prolonged detention of accused persons, increased pressure on law enforcement agencies and growing judicial backlogs.

The Centre's latest directive reflects its broader effort to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system in handling narcotics offences. By encouraging states and Union Territories to establish exclusive NDPS courts, the government aims to accelerate the disposal of pending cases, improve conviction rates where evidence supports prosecution, and reinforce the country's ongoing campaign against illegal drugs and narcotics trafficking.

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