The Punjab government has recently requested a one-time special assistance of ₹600 crore from the Central government. This funding is aimed at establishing special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) courts. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised this urgent issue during a regional conference on drug trafficking and national security. The need for these courts arises from backlog of drug-related cases in the state.
About NDPS Courts
NDPS courts are established under the NDPS Act of 1985. This Act governs the legal framework surrounding narcotic drugs and their trafficking. It includes provisions that punish various activities related to banned substances. Special courts can expedite the trial process for these cases. The establishment of such courts aims to address the growing number of drug-related offences.
Current Backlog of NDPS Cases
As of January 2025, Punjab has a backlog of 35,000 NDPS cases. Trials in session courts take an average of seven years to complete. Without intervention, this timeline could extend to 11 years, with the backlog potentially increasing to 55,000 cases. To address this, Punjab requires 79 new special NDPS courts and corresponding public prosecutors.
Funding Requirements
Punjab’s request includes ₹60 crore annually for the next decade. This funding would support the establishment of NDPS courts, appointment of public prosecutors, and hiring of necessary staff. Additional funding is sought under the National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse for various anti-drug initiatives.
Geographical Challenges in Punjab
Punjab’s geographical location contributes to its drug trafficking issues. The state shares a 552 km international border with Pakistan, including gaps in fencing and riverine areas. This makes it susceptible to cross-border drug smuggling. Proximity to the “Golden Crescent,” a major drug route, further complicates the situation.
Judicial Support for NDPS Courts
In September 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acknowledged the urgent need for special NDPS courts. A division bench brought into light the prolonged delays in trials affecting bail processes under the NDPS Act. The court’s observations underline the necessity of establishing these courts to expedite the legal proceedings.
Punjab’s Ongoing Drug Crackdown
Punjab has faced a persistent drug crisis over the past few decades. Between January 2013 and March 2017, approximately 46,746 NDPS cases were registered. The current AAP government, since 2022, has registered over 31,500 cases, arresting 43,000 individuals and seizing quantities of drugs. The state has also frozen illegally acquired assets worth ₹449 crore from drug traffickers.
Technological Measures Against Drug Trafficking
The state has reported 1,247 drone sightings in the past five years, with 417 drones recovered. This indicates the use of advanced technology in drug smuggling. Punjab is also maintaining a comprehensive database of criminals, including drug offenders, to enhance case management and enforcement.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of drug trafficking on Punjab’s socio-economic structure.
- Discuss the role of special courts in expediting trials under the NDPS Act.
- What measures can be taken to strengthen border security against drug smuggling? Provide examples.
- Critically discuss the effectiveness of Punjab’s anti-drug strategies in recent years.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of drug trafficking on Punjab’s socio-economic structure.
- Drug trafficking has led to increased addiction rates, impacting public health and increasing healthcare costs.
- It has resulted in rising crime rates, including violence and property crimes, destabilizing community safety.
- Economic productivity is affected as portion of the workforce may be involved in drug-related activities or suffer from addiction.
- Social structures are strained, with families facing breakdowns due to addiction issues, leading to further socio-economic challenges.
- The stigma associated with drug use can hinder community development and investment, affecting overall growth.
2. Discuss the role of special courts in expediting trials under the NDPS Act.
- Special courts are designed to handle drug-related cases more efficiently, reducing the backlog of pending cases.
- They provide a focused legal framework that allows for faster proceedings compared to regular courts.
- Special courts can ensure that cases are handled by judges with expertise in drug law, improving the quality of justice.
- Expedited trials can lead to quicker sentencing, which may deter future drug-related offenses.
- They help reduce the time individuals spend in pre-trial detention, addressing issues related to bail under the NDPS Act.
3. What measures can be taken to strengthen border security against drug smuggling? Provide examples.
- Improving physical barriers, such as fencing, along the border to reduce illegal crossings.
- Utilizing advanced surveillance technology, including drones and AI-powered monitoring systems, to detect smuggling activities.
- Enhancing coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies for a more unified approach to border security.
- Implementing community engagement programs to encourage local populations to report suspicious activities.
- Increasing funding and resources for anti-narcotics task forces to conduct operations in vulnerable areas.
4. Critically discuss the effectiveness of Punjab’s anti-drug strategies in recent years.
- Punjab has increased the number of NDPS cases registered, indicating a proactive approach to tackling drug issues.
- Seizures of substantial quantities of drugs reflect successful enforcement actions against traffickers.
- However, the persistence of drug addiction and trafficking suggests that enforcement alone is insufficient.
- There is a need for comprehensive rehabilitation and prevention programs alongside law enforcement efforts.
- The establishment of special NDPS courts is a positive step, but timely implementation and adequate funding are crucial for success.
