State Ordered to Operationalize Two Additional NDPS Courts and Establish Three New Ones Within Three Months
In a significant directive aimed at enhancing the judicial infrastructure for handling narcotic-related cases, the Kerala High Court has ordered the state government to operationalize two additional Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) courts in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and to establish three new NDPS courts in Manjeri, Palakkad, and Thrissur within three months. This decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C. Jayachandran, underscores the urgent need to strengthen the judiciary's capacity to effectively deal with the burgeoning caseload of NDPS cases.
The court's order comes in response to suo motu proceedings that highlighted the necessity for specialized courts with permanent staff to ensure efficiency and continuity. The court emphasized the importance of appointing permanent staff to these courts, which handle sensitive matters involving confidential intelligence and witness protection, thereby necessitating institutional loyalty and long-term accountability.
In line with these directives, the state government has been asked to fill the sanctioned posts with permanent staff as per the proposals made by the High Court. The court noted that while temporary appointments could be sourced from the Employment Exchange in the interim, steps for permanent recruitment must be initiated promptly.
The court also acknowledged the potential for financial assistance from the Central Government under the "Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-26." Although the scheme's timeline may have expired, the court directed the state to explore avenues for central support to establish fast-track courts specifically for NDPS cases. The state government has been instructed to approach the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, for financial aid to facilitate these judicial enhancements.
The directive reflects the court's proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the increasing number of drug-related offenses in Kerala, aiming to expedite justice delivery and improve the judicial process's overall efficiency.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 24, 2026, by which time the state is expected to have made significant progress in implementing the court's directives.
Bottom Line:
Establishment of NDPS Courts in Kerala - Directions issued to the State Government to operationalize two additional NDPS Courts and establish three new NDPS Courts within three months with permanent staff, ensuring efficiency and continuity.
Statutory provision(s): Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-26.
Suo Motu Proceedings v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2872019
