Supreme Court directs government to establish more special courts for UAPA and NDPS cases

The Supreme Court of India has directed the central government to consider setting up additional exclusive courts to expedite trials under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India, expressed concern over the large number of pending cases under these laws and emphasised the need for speedy justice.

The court observed that dedicated courts for UAPA and NDPS cases would help reduce the backlog and ensure that cases are resolved within a reasonable time frame. The directive comes in response to a public interest litigation highlighting the slow pace of trials, often due to lack of specialised courts.

The government has been asked to submit a report within four weeks on the feasibility of establishing such courts, including the required infrastructure and judicial officers. The Supreme Court noted that the number of UAPA and NDPS cases has risen significantly in recent years, necessitating a focused approach.

Legal experts have welcomed the move, stating that specialised courts can handle the complexities of these cases more efficiently. However, concerns have also been raised about the need to balance national security with civil liberties. The court has made it clear that the directive is aimed at ensuring fair and quick trials, not at undermining due process.

The Supreme Court also highlighted that the constitution of special courts should not compromise the quality of justice. It urged the government to ensure that judges assigned to these courts receive adequate training on the nuances of the laws.