Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India and others — Public interest petition on NDPS trials and drug abuse

Updates

1. News10 Aug 2026

   Supreme Court issues notice to Centre and States demanding expedited proceedings in NDPS cases and tackling the drug problem

   Case : ASHWINI KUMAR UPADHYAY v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. W.P.(Crl.) No. 288/2026 · Click here to read in English · NDPS ActSupreme CourtCentre GovtStates ...

   Explanation in simple terms: A person named Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay asked India's highest court to address the country's drug problem and slow court cases involving drug crimes. The Supreme Court has agreed to look into this matter and has asked the central government and state governments to speed up these drug-related trials and find better ways to tackle drug abuse across the country.

   hindi.livelaw.in
2. News10 Aug 2026

   Problem Is Pan-India Now: Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response On Plea Seeking Nationwide Strategy To Curb Illicit Drug Trafficking

   The Petitioner prayed for direction to Centre/States to, "(i) prescribe a mandatory timeline for submission of FSL reports in NDPS cases; (ii) formulate a SOP for search, seizure & sampling in small and intermediate quantity cases; (iii) constitute an Expert Committee for identification and timely scheduling of New Psychoactive Substances; (iv) constitute Special Courts under Sections 36 and 36A, and frame SOP for timebound investigation and speedy trial; (v) establish and operationalize Rehabilitation Centers/Wellness Centers and other programs under Sections 39 and 64A;"

   Explanation in simple terms: The Indian Supreme Court is asking the government to explain how it plans to stop illegal drug trafficking across the entire country. A person named Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay brought this case to highlight that drug abuse and illegal drug trade have become a serious problem everywhere in India, not just in one place. The court wants the government to develop a nationwide plan to address this issue.

   verdictum.in