The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) was enacted to combat the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in India, replacing the outdated Opium Act of 1857 and The Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930. Aligned with international conventions like the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Act provides a strict legal framework to regulate and prohibit the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Key provisions include:
Heavy penalties, including imprisonment (ranging from rigorous imprisonment up to 20 years or life) and fines, depending on the quantity of drugs involved.
Death penalty for repeat offenders in cases of large-scale trafficking.
Differentiation between small (personal use) and commercial quantities, with stricter punishments for the latter.
Establishment of specialized agencies (e.g., Narcotics Control Bureau) for enforcement.
The Act has been amended multiple times to balance stringent anti-drug measures with provisions for rehabilitation of addicts, reflecting India’s commitment to curbing drug abuse while addressing socio-legal concerns.