Centre Directs States to Establish Special Courts Amid 3.9 Lakh Pending NDPS Cases

Public Lokpal
August 03, 2026

With approximately 3.96 lakh Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act cases pending nationwide, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all states and Union Territories to set up exclusive special courts to tackle the massive backlog.

Despite a sharp surge in narcotics cases—with registrations climbing past 8.75 lakh over the past decade—only 65 dedicated special courts are currently functional across India.

Crucially, 22 states with significant drug crime burdens currently lack exclusive fast-track courts, forcing regular judicial infrastructure to shoulder the load.

Acting on judicial impetus and mounting delays, the Centre has instructed states to collaborate with their respective High Courts to fast-track these sensitive trials.

The mandate involves mapping local case density, appointing dedicated special public prosecutors, and expediting proceedings to guarantee the constitutional right to a speedy trial for undertrials.