Drug Trafficking And Substance Abuse In India: A Critical Legal Analysis Of The NDPS Act With Special Reference To Tamil Nadu
- IJLLR Journal
- May 14
- 1 min read
A. Vignesh, LLB, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, VISTAS
Ms. G. Uma Maheswari, Assistant Professor, Department of Legal Studies, VISTAS
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of drug trafficking and substance abuse constitutes one of the most formidable challenges confronting contemporary legal systems. In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) forms the cornerstone of the legislative response to this crisis. This article critically examines the legal architecture of the NDPS Act, scrutinises the enforcement mechanisms operational in India with particular focus on Tamil Nadu, evaluates the evolving jurisprudence of superior courts, and undertakes a comparative state-level analysis. The study adopts a doctrinal methodology grounded in statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, and policy analysis. Findings indicate that while the Act provides a rigorous punitive framework, its practical efficacy is substantially undermined by procedural lapses, forensic infrastructure deficiencies, prolonged trial delays, and inadequate rehabilitative provisions. Landmark decisions including Tofan Singh v. State of Tamil Nadu and State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh have recalibrated the balance between enforcement imperatives and constitutional guarantees. The article concludes with targeted legislative, administrative, and social policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the drug control regime, with tailored prescriptions for Tamil Nadu.
Keywords: NDPS Act 1985; drug trafficking; substance abuse; Tamil Nadu; judicial interpretation; enforcement; rehabilitation; narcotic drugs; psychotropic substances; procedural safeguards
