Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Takes Initiative to Expedite Proceedings
Mumbai, October 7: A special designated court has been established in Pune under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to ensure the speedy trial and timely disposal of cases related to narcotic drugs in Maharashtra. The court was established on August 6, 2026, following efforts initiated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis when he was serving as Deputy Chief Minister.
During his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis had directed the Medical Education Department to prepare a detailed project report on establishing a special designated court for drug-related offences and submit it to the Central Government. He had also instructed officials to personally follow up on the proposal to ensure its approval.
Fadnavis had specifically called for the establishment of a special designated court in Maharashtra to expedite hearings in cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
To accelerate action on the matter, detailed instructions were issued to prepare a comprehensive project report covering the establishment of the special court, submit it to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and ensure necessary follow-up at the highest level for approval of the proposal.
The project report included details of the administrative, legal and institutional requirements necessary for establishing the special court. Following coordination with the concerned ministry of the Central Government and continued follow-up on the proposal, the special court has now been established in Pune.
Drug-related offences are sensitive and serious in nature. Giving priority to the hearing of such cases and ensuring their time-bound disposal is expected to make the judicial process more effective. The special court will facilitate the speedy disposal of pending cases, timely completion of procedures related to evidence and witnesses, and effective judicial action against those found guilty.
The initiative is part of the broader effort led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protect young people from the menace of drugs, curb the illegal drug trade and ensure swift and effective action against those accused of drug-related offences. His directions to prepare a detailed project report and pursue the proposal with the Central Government were an important part of these efforts.
The establishment of the special court is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s fight against drug-related crimes. It will also improve coordination among investigating agencies, prosecution authorities and the judiciary, helping ensure faster justice for citizens.
The initiative by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is being viewed as an important step towards making the state’s action against narcotic drug offences more effective and ensuring the timely disposal of such cases.
