Operationalize NDPS courts at T’puram, Kochi: Kerala HC to govt

Kochi: High court has directed the state govt to operationalise the two proposed special courts for NDPS cases in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, along with the three new NDPS courts at Palakkad, Thrissur and Manjeri, within three months.A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C Jayachandran issued the directive while considering a suo motu petition initiated by HC regarding the high pendency of NDPS cases in the state. Earlier, the registrar of the district judiciary, in consultation with HC, had sent a communication to the home department additional chief secretary on Feb 24. It categorically stated that the newly established NDPS courts require permanent staff, as they handle confidential intelligence and matters relating to witness protection, which demand institutional continuity and long-term accountability. A reminder in this regard was also sent on March 7.HC observed that the communication had not been properly addressed, noting that the state's decision appeared to involve filling the posts on a contractual or temporary basis, with a proposal to do so through redeployment. HC directed the govt to fill the posts on a permanent basis, as proposed by the registrar of district judiciary. It further observed that the govt may appoint candidates from the employment exchange's eligible list if a list of permanent staff is not otherwise available, while simultaneously initiating the process for regular recruitment. This direction applies to both existing and future posts relating to NDPS courts.During hearing, the deputy solicitor general, appearing on behalf of the central govt, referred to the Scheme Guidelines on the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025–26', issued on April 7, 2025, and submitted that a request may be made by the state govt for providing central assistance for the establishment of fast-track courts for the trial of NDPS cases in the state. Accordingly, HC directed the state govt to consider the said scheme and make appropriate requests to the department of expenditure (ministry of finance) for any financial assistance with respect to capital outlay to set up special courts within a week. HC further adjourned the matter to June 24.