The Kerala High Court has directed the State Government to establish Special Courts under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in three additional districts, over and above the two already proposed for Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. The direction was issued while the court was considering matters relating to the increasing pendency of NDPS cases across the State. The court noted that the existing arrangement of having only two exclusive NDPS courts was insufficient to deal with the volume and complexity of narcotics cases, leading to prolonged trials and delays in justice delivery.
The court observed that offences under the NDPS Act require specialised handling due to the strict statutory framework, the involvement of forensic evidence, and the severe consequences attached to convictions. It noted that the concentration of cases in a limited number of courts places an undue burden on the judicial system and adversely affects both the prosecution and the accused. The High Court emphasised that exclusive NDPS courts, equipped with proper infrastructure and dedicated judicial officers, are essential to ensure expeditious and effective adjudication of such cases.
During the proceedings, the State Government informed the court of its proposal to set up two additional special NDPS courts at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. However, the High Court found this proposal inadequate in light of the pendency data placed before it. After examining the distribution of NDPS cases across districts, the court identified Thrissur, Palakkad, and Manjeri as districts where the establishment of exclusive NDPS courts was urgently required. The court directed the State to take immediate steps to set up these courts in addition to the ones already planned.
The High Court also took note of systemic issues contributing to delays in NDPS trials, particularly the shortage of personnel in forensic science laboratories. It observed that vacancies in posts such as scientific officers and other technical staff directly impact the timely analysis of samples and preparation of reports, which are crucial for the progress of NDPS cases. The court directed the State to take steps to fill sanctioned vacancies and to ensure that decisions regarding remaining posts are communicated without delay.
The matter was adjourned to enable the State Government to report on the steps taken to comply with the directions, including the establishment of additional NDPS courts and the strengthening of forensic infrastructure. The High Court made it clear that addressing these issues was necessary not only for reducing pendency but also for upholding the fairness and efficiency of the criminal justice system.
Through these directions, the Kerala High Court underscored the need for institutional and administrative support to effectively deal with drug-related offences. The decision reflects judicial concern over delays in NDPS cases and highlights the importance of specialised courts and adequate resources in ensuring timely justice while balancing the rights of the accused and the interests of society.
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