Over 50,000 drug cases pending, Punjab to set up 35 special NDPS courts

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has authorized the creation of 35 specialized National Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) courts to rapidly resolve the extensive backlog of drug-related cases in the state. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Punjab records approximately 20,000 NDPS cases and apprehends around 27,000 individuals annually.

Out of these, only about 5,700 cases are resolved each year, resulting in a staggering 52,577 cases pending since August 31, 2026, with an average resolution time of eight years. The cabinet has also allocated funds for the initiative, including Rs 75 crore for infrastructure expenses. Additionally, 385 posts have been approved to support the new courts, comprising 35 Additional District and Sessions Judges, 315 supporting staff, and 35 Assistant District Attorneys.

The government has increased the road budget by Rs 283.44 crore, raising it from Rs 1,050 crore to Rs 1,333.44 crore, due to a rise in the cost of bitumen.