In Punjab, over 16000 NDPS cases pending for more than 2 years
Punjab News: A report commissioned by the Punjab government has unveiled that there are 16,149 drug-related cases awaiting trial in Punjab’s courts, where charges were framed more than two years ago.
The report, signed by Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, the state’s administrative secretary (home), was prepared in response to the High Court’s directive on October 17. While the initial submission date was October 31, it has been rescheduled for consideration on November 16.
Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul’s bench requested this data because it became apparent that in a significant number of cases, police officers designated as prosecution witnesses in drug seizure cases have not appeared for years. Consequently, courts have been compelled to grant bail due to prolonged incarceration.
These 16,149 cases are distributed across 31 units in the state, encompassing various districts, police commissionerates, special task forces, and the state special operation cell, among others. The highest number of pending cases is found in Amritsar rural (1,596), followed by Jalandhar rural (1,254), and Moga (1,082). Additionally, Patiala, Kapurthala, and Muktsar each have over 900 pending cases. According to the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab records 12,000 to 14,000 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the NDPS Act annually.
In addition to presenting the data, the administrative secretary (home) outlined steps to expedite the trial process. The report proposes the formation of a state-level monitoring committee, headed by an officer of at least the rank of ADGP, to oversee trials and other related aspects. This committee would convene on a monthly basis.
Furthermore, the report stipulates that any police officer found harboring or aiding drug accused individuals would face dismissal. Similar punishment would be meted out to officers who provide them shelter. Police officers facing disciplinary proceedings related to drug cases would not be appointed as the investigating officer in drug cases or as station house officers. The report also specifies that a police officer appearing as a witness can request only one adjournment, and DSPs of the respective areas are responsible for ensuring that witnesses appear before the courts. Those who deliberately fail to appear as witnesses can face criminal charges.