Last Updated: 03 Aug 2024
Issue: Delayed trial court cases and non-appearance of even official witnesses in NDPS(Drugs) cases
Punjab: 16,149 NDPS cases are still under trial even 2 years after framing of charges as of 23 October 2023
Conviction rate have Jumped to Impressive 81% in 2023 from 59% in 2018 in NDPS Act
*NDPS = Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
- A cop appearing as witness can seek only 1 adjournment
-- DSPs of the respective areas would have to ensure that witnesses appear before courts
-- The criminal cases can be registered against those not wilfully appearing as witnesses
- Any police officer facing disciplinary proceedings about drugs cases would not be appointed
-- neither as probe officer in drugs cases
-- nor SHO(station house officer)
- A state-level monitoring committee formed under the officer not below the rank of the ADGP to monitor trials & other aspects
-- The committee would meet monthly
- Any cop found harbouring/assisting drug accused persons would be dismissed & similar punishment for those officers who shelter them
References:
