Special NDPS court set up in Pune to speed up trials in drug cases

A special court has been set up in Pune so that cases related to narcotic substances in Maharashtra are heard quickly and disposed of on time. The court was established on August 6, 2026, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The step was taken by speeding up the process of creating a special designated court.

The initiative in the matter came from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He had taken steps in this direction while still Deputy Chief Minister. He had then directed the Medical Education Department to prepare a detailed project report and send it to the Union government. He had also said that the proposal should be pursued personally.

Fadnavis had also clearly directed that a special designated court be created in Maharashtra for the speedy trial of drug cases. The project report was to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and whatever follow-up was needed for the approval of the proposal was to be ensured personally.

The project report was expected to contain full details of the administrative, legal and institutional requirements for creating a special court. The proposal was taken forward in coordination with the concerned ministry of the Union government, and the special court was established after that.

Drug-related cases are sensitive and serious in nature. If such cases are heard on priority and within a fixed time, the process of justice can become more effective. The proposed special court will make it easier to dispose of pending cases quickly. Procedures involving evidence and witnesses can also be completed on time, and effective court action against the guilty will become easier.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has pursued the issue consistently. The larger aim is to keep young people safe from the trap of drugs, curb the illegal trade in narcotics, and ensure swift and effective action against the accused in these cases. The direction to prepare a detailed project report for the special court and send it to the Centre was an important part of these efforts.

The creation of the special court will strengthen the state's fight against narcotics. Coordination between investigating agencies, the prosecution and the court process will improve, and it will help ordinary people get justice sooner. The initiative by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proved important in making action against drugs in the state more effective.