Kerala HC seeks details of pending NDPS cases in state

Kochi: A high court division bench has sought details of the district-wise pendency of NDPS cases as of June 30 from the HC administration in a suo motu petition seeking the establishment of more special courts for NDPS cases in the state.Meanwhile, the state govt sought additional time to comply with a previous order of the court directing the establishment of two proposed special NDPS courts in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, along with three new NDPS courts at Palakkad, Thrissur and Manjeri, within three months. The govt cited administrative changes at the state level following the Kerala assembly elections as the reason for the delay.The state attorney, appearing on behalf of the state govt, further submitted that the proposal for establishing three additional special NDPS courts could not be processed during the period when the model code of conduct was in force in connection with the assembly elections, as the matter involved a policy decision.

It was submitted that, after obtaining the requisite financial concurrence, the proposal would be placed before the council of ministers for consideration.

The state attorney also informed the court that a report detailing the progress made in this regard would be filed before the next posting date.Similarly, the registrar (district judiciary) of the high court placed on record a revised staff pattern incorporating details of the permanent posts required for the two NDPS courts already sanctioned at Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Counsel appearing for the high court administration submitted that the issue relating to the establishment of NDPS courts across India is presently under active consideration before the Supreme Court and is likely to be taken up on July 20. Accordingly, the bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C Jayachandran adjourned the petition for consideration on July 29.