Mumbai, October 2026: A special designated court has been established in Pune under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to ensure speedy hearings and timely disposal of drug-related criminal cases in Maharashtra.
The special court was established on August 6, 2026, following efforts to accelerate the process of setting up a dedicated court for handling cases related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had taken the initiative on the matter when he was serving as Deputy Chief Minister.
As Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis had directed the Medical Education Department to prepare a detailed project report regarding the establishment of a special designated court and submit it to the Central government. He had also directed officials to personally follow up on the proposal to ensure its approval and implementation.
Fadnavis had specifically directed that a special designated court be established in Maharashtra to facilitate the speedy trial of drug-related offences. To expedite action on the issue, officials were instructed to prepare a detailed project report on the proposed court and submit it to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, while ensuring necessary follow-up at the highest level for approval of the proposal.
The project report was required to include detailed administrative, legal and institutional aspects necessary for establishing the special court. Following coordination with the concerned Central government ministry and further processing of the proposal, the special court has now been established in Pune.
Drug-related criminal cases are considered sensitive and serious in nature. Their priority hearing and time-bound disposal can make the judicial process more effective. The special court is expected to facilitate the faster disposal of pending cases, timely completion of procedures related to evidence and witnesses, and effective judicial action against those found guilty.
The initiative is aimed at protecting young people from the grip of drugs, preventing illegal drug trade and ensuring swift and effective action against accused persons involved in such offences.
Fadnavis had consistently pursued the issue with these broader objectives in mind. The direction to prepare a detailed project report and submit it to the Central government was an important part of these efforts.
The establishment of the special court is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s efforts against drug-related offences. It will also help improve coordination among investigation agencies, the prosecution system and the judiciary, thereby facilitating faster justice for citizens.
The initiative is being viewed as an important step towards making the state’s action against drug-related crimes more effective and ensuring a more focused and time-bound judicial process.
