Punjab Cabinet Approves 35 Special Courts to Address Drug Case Backlog
TL;DR
- Punjab will establish 35 new special courts to handle drug-related cases.
- Over 52,000 NDPS cases are currently pending in the state.
- The initiative includes hiring 385 staff members and a budget of Rs 75 crore.
- The Cabinet also approved increased funding for road projects and new infrastructure initiatives.
The Punjab Cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 35 exclusive special courts dedicated to cases under the National Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This measure is intended to clear a massive backlog of 52,577 pending cases, which officials noted currently face an average disposal time of eight years.
To support these new courts, the government has approved 385 new positions, including judges, assistant district attorneys, and support staff. The project is backed by a budget of approximately Rs 75 crore to cover operational and infrastructure expenses.
In addition to judicial reforms, the Cabinet increased the state's road construction budget by over Rs 283 crore to account for rising material costs. Other approvals included the allocation of land for a compressed biogas plant, the recruitment of 257 posts within the BBMB, and the establishment of a new grain market in Lehra Gaga.
The government also finalized new rules for labor welfare and social security, alongside a structural change to shift revenue department patwari positions to the district cadre. These decisions were finalized during a meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Why It Matters
The establishment of these courts is significant for Punjab's legal system, as it aims to resolve a backlog of over 52,000 drug-related cases that currently take an average of eight years to process. For the broader public, including the diaspora, this move reflects the state government's efforts to address the drug crisis and improve judicial efficiency, which are key factors in the region's overall stability and development.
Oct 31, 2026 · Updated 10/31/2026, 4:30:20 PM · Reported with: The Indian Express
Sources (1)
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The Indian Express — Over 50,000 drug cases pending, Punjab to set up 35 special NDPS courtsUp next · India-USA
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