High Court's Swift Move to Speed Up NDPS Trials

National Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-10-29 21:57:03 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-09 14:11:12

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In a significant move to expedite drug-related trials, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has laid down stringent guidelines for Special Courts, aiming to tackle the notorious issue of trial delays in cases involving substantial quantities of narcotics. This decision comes as a response to a concerning trend where accused individuals, particularly those associated with drug mafias, manipulate the legal system to create artificial grounds for bail.

The Court emphasized that the accused cannot exploit their own wrongdoing by invoking constitutional protections under Article 21. With a focus on commercial quantities of drugs, the Court mandated expedited trials for specific categories, such as large amounts of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate and various herbal and medicinal drugs.

To ensure swift proceedings, the High Court issued a comprehensive set of directives. These instructions target various aspects of the trial process, from laboratory testing to the conduct of prosecutors and defense counsel. The Court has taken a firm stance against any form of delay, whether caused by investigative agencies, the accused in custody, or even the Trial Judges themselves.

In a recent case, the Court dismissed the bail plea of an accused in possession of significant quantities of ICE and heroin, setting a precedent for the strict implementation of these guidelines. The Court's message is clear: those who attempt to manipulate the system will not be permitted to benefit from their own misconduct. This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications, reshaping the landscape of NDPS trials in the region and potentially setting a standard for other jurisdictions to follow.

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