The latest expansion follows a series of measures undertaken in recent years. Two NDPS fast-track courts were set up in Sirsa and Fatehabad in 2022, while six additional courts became operational in Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Panipat in 2023.
Image: IANS
The Haryana government has announced the establishment of 13 new exclusive fast-track special courts for cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a move aimed at accelerating the disposal of drug-related cases and strengthening the state’s campaign against narcotics trafficking.
With the issuance of a fresh notification by the state government, the total number of NDPS fast-track and special courts in Haryana has increased to 21. Officials said the expansion is expected to enhance the efficiency of the judicial process, reduce the burden of pending cases and ensure quicker prosecution of offenders involved in drug trafficking and related crimes.
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According to the notification issued by the state’s Administration of Justice Department, new special NDPS courts have been sanctioned in Faridabad, Gurugram, Panchkula, Rohtak and Yamunanagar, with each court functioning at the level of an Additional Sessions Judge. In addition, two more special courts have been approved in Fatehabad, while six new courts have been established in Sirsa, significantly expanding the judicial infrastructure dedicated to narcotics cases.
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The latest expansion follows a series of measures undertaken in recent years. Two NDPS fast-track courts were set up in Sirsa and Fatehabad in 2022, while six additional courts became operational in Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Panipat in 2023. Before the latest notification, eight NDPS fast-track and special courts were functioning across the state.
Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, remains committed to taking strict action against drug traffickers and dismantling narcotics networks operating in Haryana. He said the increase in the number of special courts would strengthen prosecution efforts, expedite trials and help ensure that offenders receive punishment without unnecessary delays.
Singhal stated that the government is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to combat the drug menace, combining law enforcement action with intelligence gathering, financial investigations, attachment of assets linked to narcotics activities, public awareness campaigns and an improved judicial framework.
“The policy of zero tolerance against drug trafficking continues to guide our actions. Strengthening the judicial mechanism is an important step towards ensuring swift justice and creating a stronger deterrent against those involved in the illegal drug trade,” he said.
The DGP further noted that Haryana Police is working towards the goal of a drug-free state through effective policing, robust investigations, speedy prosecution and timely judicial outcomes. He added that the expanded court network would play a crucial role in supporting these efforts.
To encourage public participation in the anti-drug campaign, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) is operating a 24×7 anti-drug helpline through which citizens can confidentially report information related to narcotics trafficking, illegal sale of drugs or other suspicious activities. Officials said inputs received through the helpline are acted upon promptly by the concerned agencies.
The state is also promoting the use of the MANAS portal and helpline launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to facilitate reporting and awareness regarding drug-related offences. Authorities said educational institutions, government departments and social organisations are being encouraged to spread awareness about these platforms to increase citizen engagement in the fight against drugs.
Officials described the establishment of the new courts as a significant step towards improving the criminal justice response to narcotics-related offences and reinforcing Haryana’s broader efforts to curb drug trafficking and protect young people from substance abuse.
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