LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THE NDPS ACT: ANALYZING THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN DRUG CONTROL

AUTHOR – RANJANA RAJASRI R, ADVOCATE AND INDEPENDENT AUTHOR. Email – ranjanarajasri22@gmail.com

BEST CITATION – RANJANA RAJASRI R, LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THE NDPS ACT: ANALYZING THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN DRUG CONTROL, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 749-764, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

SYNOPSIS

With an emphasis on how the court has influenced the application of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 through legislative provisions, case law, and judicial interpretation, this article examines the role of the judiciary in its implementation and interpretation. One important piece of legislation in India that aims to curb drug misuse, trafficking, and associated crimes is the NDPS Act. But in terms of enforcement, interpreting the law, and striking a balance between punishment and rehabilitation, its implementation has been fraught with difficulties. The role of the judiciary in interpreting these provisions is critically examined, focusing on how courts have balanced strict legal provisions with the need for a human-centric approach to drug addiction, rehabilitation, and the protection of individual rights.

This article examines how judicial judgments have affected the execution of the NDPS Act, notably in situations concerning the rights of the accused, the role of law enforcement, and the implementation of rehabilitative measures. The obstacles that the judiciary faces in guaranteeing justice while implementing the requirements of the NDPS Act are discussed, including mandatory punishment, the limits of judicial discretion, and the necessity for more targeted legislative revisions.

KEYWORDS: NDPS Act, Judicial Interpretation, Drug Abuse, Judiciary role, Legal Provisions and Rehabilitation