Kerala High Court Directs State and Union Governments to Explain Delays in Setting Up NDPS Courts
The Kerala High Court has directed both the State and Union governments to file formal statements explaining the delays and pending issues in setting up dedicated courts for trials under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The order comes amidst concern over a growing backlog of drug cases across the state.
What Happened
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C. Jayachandran expressed strong concern regarding the State’s delay in establishing exclusive NDPS courts, despite directions given since January 2026. The High Court questioned why the State was requesting more time after being granted multiple extensions and previously assuring the bench that the courts would be operational by July 30.
Data provided by the District Judiciary revealed that Kerala currently has 8,422 pending NDPS cases. Ernakulam has the highest number with 1,492 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 1,245 cases and Palakkad with 1,055 cases. In response to the ongoing inaction, the bench warned that it would initiate contempt proceedings against the official responsible for delaying the process.
Key Highlights
- Pending Cases: The District Judiciary reported a total of 8,422 pending NDPS cases in Kerala.
- Highest Backlogs: Ernakulam leads with 1,492 cases, Thiruvananthapuram has 1,245 cases, and Palakkad has 1,055 cases.
- Designated Locations: The court had previously directed the State to establish fully equipped NDPS courts in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Manjeri.
- Contempt Warning: The court warned it would start contempt proceedings against the specific official accountable for the delay.
- Financial Funding Advice: The High Court directed the State to consider approaching the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance for funds under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-2026.
Why This Matters
The creation of dedicated NDPS courts is intended to expedite trials and clear significant case backlogs in districts with heavy caseloads, such as Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Palakkad. By demanding statements from both the State and Union governments and identifying central funding avenues, the High Court is seeking to enforce executive compliance and address infrastructure hurdles.
What to Watch Next
The State and Union governments are required to submit their statements regarding the pending implementation issues and reasons for delay. Further proceedings will indicate whether the State applies for central funds via the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-2026 and whether contempt actions are initiated against responsible officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NDPS cases are currently pending in Kerala?
According to figures provided by the District Judiciary, there are 8,422 pending NDPS cases across Kerala.
Which districts in Kerala have the most pending NDPS cases?
Ernakulam has the highest number with 1,492 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 1,245 cases and Palakkad with 1,055 cases.
Where were the exclusive NDPS courts ordered to be established?
The High Court directed the establishment of special courts in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Manjeri.
What central scheme did the High Court suggest for funding the courts?
The court directed the State to consider applying for funds through the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-2026 via the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.