In a landmark directive, the Kerala High Court has instructed the state government to establish additional special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) courts, including one in Ernakulam district, to tackle the growing backlog of drug-related cases.
The court observed that delays in hearing cases often result in prolonged pre-trial detention for accused individuals and strain the judicial system. “Establishing more NDPS courts will ensure speedy justice and proper monitoring of narcotics offenses,” the bench stated.
The government has been asked to allocate necessary resources and infrastructure, including courtrooms, judicial staff, and administrative support. Officials acknowledged that the rise in drug cases across Kerala, particularly in urban centers like Kochi, necessitates urgent attention.
Law enforcement agencies welcomed the decision, noting that faster trials will deter illegal drug trafficking and abuse. Advocates for judicial reform emphasized that specialized courts improve efficiency and ensure that complex narcotics cases are handled by trained judges.
Community leaders and activists also highlighted the need for parallel preventive measures, including awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and strict monitoring of substance abuse hotspots.
The High Court’s ruling is expected to accelerate the establishment of NDPS courts within months, offering hope for improved legal processes and better management of narcotics-related issues in Ernakulam.
News as reported
