desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : The Supreme Court on Monday asked all states and union territories to provide information on terrorism and drug cases being investigated by central and state agencies, such as the NIA and NCB, in a move towards setting up special courts to expedite the disposal of cases.
The apex court asked the Centre to consider providing Rs 1 crore to each state for setting up courts to hear cases registered under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act).
Instructions were given to establish special courts
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the central government, to consider releasing Rs 1 crore per year to ensure smooth functioning of the special courts.
On March 24, the Supreme Court had directed the setting up of special courts for cases being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and those under the UAPA.
On Monday, the Chief Justice expanded the scope and asked advocates from 17 states to submit details of cases registered under the UAPA and NDPS Act, whether they were being prosecuted by the NIA or the state police or the Narcotics Control Bureau or state agencies.
The court had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter
The bench emphasized that expeditious disposal of cases would balance the rights of both the accused and the victim. The court also issued notices to the remaining states, asking them to provide the necessary information. The Supreme Court initiated the hearing on its own initiative, citing concerns about the years-long backlog of NIA cases.
The court noted that 17 states and union territories, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, and Jammu and Kashmir, have high pendency of cases. In many of these states, special courts are overburdened because presiding officers are also assigned non-NIA cases.
--Advertisement--
