Supreme Court Urges Punjab to Target Major Drug Traffickers Amid Alarming Rise in NDPS Cases
Punjab narcotics situation ‘alarming’, go after the ‘big fish’, SC directs state
Hindustan Times
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The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Punjab government for failing to apprehend major drug traffickers, highlighting an alarming increase in narcotics cases. The court emphasized the need for a strategic overhaul to tackle the drug crisis, urging the state to focus on influential players in the drug trade.
- 01Supreme Court calls the rise in NDPS cases in Punjab 'alarming.'
- 02Court urges Punjab to target major drug traffickers rather than small peddlers.
- 03Punjab's advocate general claims the state is taking measures against drug trafficking.
- 04The court plans to establish exclusive courts for NDPS cases.
- 05The Union government will provide ₹2 crore for judicial infrastructure.
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The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concerns over the rising number of narcotics-related cases in Punjab, labeling the situation as 'alarming.' During a hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticized the Punjab government for not apprehending major drug traffickers, referred to as 'big sharks.' They emphasized the need for a strategic shift in tackling the drug menace, focusing on influential figures rather than minor peddlers. The court highlighted the tragic impact of drug addiction on families in the state. Punjab's advocate general, Maninderjeet Singh Bedi, assured the court that the state is aware of the issue and is taking measures to combat it. However, the court was not convinced, stating that the police need to be more effective and sensitive in their approach. The Supreme Court is also working towards establishing exclusive courts for cases under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with the Union government committing ₹2 crore for the necessary infrastructure and operational costs. The court has directed that states with a significant number of pending trials should establish special courts to expedite the judicial process.
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The establishment of special courts for drug-related cases could expedite justice for victims of drug trafficking and addiction in Punjab, potentially leading to a more effective crackdown on major drug traffickers.
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