Kerala High Court Issues Directive for Operationalizing Five Special NDPS Courts
The Kerala High Court has issued a significant directive to the state government, ordering the operationalization of five proposed special courts for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases within a strict timeframe of three months. This move aims to tackle the high pendency of drug-related cases across the state.
Court Details and Locations of the New NDPS Courts
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C Jayachandran, specifically highlighted the need to activate two special courts in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, along with three additional NDPS courts at Palakkad, Thrissur, and Manjeri. The directive emerged during the hearing of a suo motu petition initiated by the High Court itself, focusing on the alarming backlog of NDPS cases that has been burdening the judicial system.
Staffing Requirements and Permanent Appointments Emphasized
In its observations, the High Court noted that earlier communications from the registrar of the district judiciary, sent on February 24 and followed up with a reminder on March 7, had not been adequately addressed by the state authorities. These communications stressed the necessity for permanent staff appointments for the newly established NDPS courts, rather than temporary or contractual arrangements.
The court emphasized that these courts handle sensitive matters, including confidential intelligence and witness protection protocols, which demand institutional continuity and long-term accountability. Consequently, the bench directed the government to fill all relevant posts on a permanent basis, as initially proposed by the registrar. If a list of permanent staff is unavailable, the government may appoint candidates from the employment exchange's eligible list while simultaneously initiating regular recruitment processes.
Financial Assistance and Central Government Scheme Referenced
During the proceedings, the deputy solicitor general, representing the central government, brought attention to the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025–26', issued on April 7, 2025. This scheme offers guidelines for providing central assistance to states for establishing fast-track courts, including those for NDPS cases.
In response, the High Court instructed the state government to consider this scheme and submit appropriate requests to the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance for financial assistance related to capital outlay. The state has been given a week to make these requests, aiming to facilitate the setup of the special courts without delay.
Adjournment and Future Proceedings
The High Court has adjourned the matter to June 24 for further review, ensuring that the state government complies with the directives within the stipulated timelines. This judicial intervention underscores the urgency of enhancing the state's capacity to handle NDPS cases efficiently, thereby contributing to a more robust legal framework against drug-related offenses in Kerala.
