Supreme Court seeks more exclusive UAPA, NDPS courts to speed up trials

Times of India Published Jul 20, 2026 Reviewed Jul 20, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

The number of exclusive special courts for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases in India increased from 77 to 113.

77 courts · exclusive NDPS special courts (prior count)113 courts · exclusive NDPS special courts (current count)

The Supreme Court of India directed the designation of 14 additional exclusive NIA special courts in nine states to expedite trials in NIA-investigated cases.

14 courts · exclusive NIA special courts

West Bengal and Haryana each accounted for 13 of the 36 newly added exclusive NDPS special courts.

13 courts · newly added NDPS special courts in West Bengal13 courts · newly added NDPS special courts in Haryana36 courts · newly added exclusive NDPS special courts nationwide

Delhi is designating three exclusive NIA special courts to handle 50 pending cases.

3 courts · exclusive NIA courts in Delhi50 cases · pending NIA cases in Delhi

The Supreme Court of India expressed concern that only one NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir is handling 47 pending cases.

47 cases · pending NIA cases

According to the Union government, 394 exclusive special courts for NDPS cases are required nationwide, based on inputs from states and union territories.

394 courts · required exclusive NDPS special courts

NEW DELHI: To address the grievance of accused facing long years of incarceration in UAPA and NDPS cases, SC Monday pushed for the establishment of additional exclusive special courts to speed up trials in NIA-investigated cases and those related to narcotic drugs registered by various police organisations.Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati informed a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that 14 additional exclusive NIA special courts have been designated in nine states following a series of SC orders and reminders by the Centre.

The courts include three each in Gujarat and Jharkhand, two in Maharashtra and one each in J&K, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Assam and Punjab.The bench, however, expressed concern over only one NIA court in J&K handling 47 cases and asked the Union govt to consider establishing more special courts for expeditious completion of trials.

Delhi is also in the process of designating three exclusive NIA courts to speed up hearings in 50 pending cases.On NDPS cases, the Centre informed the court that exclusive special courts across the country have increased from 77 to 113, but 394 are required based on inputs from states and UTs. West Bengal and Haryana accounted for 13 each among the 36 newly added courts.Govt said states and UTs have committed to establishing the remaining NDPS courts expeditiously in coordination with high courts.

It added that infrastructure needs would be met through existing central schemes for judicial infrastructure to avoid duplication of financial assistance.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

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