Analysis of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is a comprehensive legal framework enacted in India to tackle issues such as increased drug usage and presence of large crime syndicates. It has strict provisions, aimed at acting as an effective deterrent mechanism. However, it is often seen that harsh punishments and rigid procedures harm small time users over major traffickers. This research paper critically examines the key features of the NDPS Act and gaps in implementation. It goes on to observe judicial efforts to balance the severity of the Act with constitutional safeguards. With the help of comparison with other jurisdictions, the paper argues that India must shift towards a more humane approach.