Gurgaon: Seven out of every 10 accused tried by Haryana’s eight exclusive Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) courts have been convicted since Jan 2025, but a district-wise analysis reveals stark disparities in prosecution success, with conviction rates ranging from 96% in Panipat to just 33% in Sirsa. The variation has been attributed to the quality of investigation and prosecution, with acquittals largely resulting from weak evidence and procedural lapses.An analysis of judgments delivered by the courts till June 30, 2026, shows that 1,115 cases were disposed of, convicting 759 accused (68%), while 356 accused (32%) were acquitted after courts held that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.Among the eight districts, Panipat recorded the highest conviction rate at 96%, followed by Karnal (79%), Kurukshetra (71%), Kaithal (67%), Hisar (59%), Ambala (57%), Fatehabad (48%) and Sirsa (33%). Acquittal rates reflected the same trend — 4% in Panipat, 21% in Karnal, 29% in Kurukshetra, 33% in Kaithal, 41% in Hisar, 43% in Ambala, 52% in Fatehabad and 67% in Sirsa.The exclusive NDPS courts were constituted by Haryana govt in Jan 2023 to fast-track trials under NDPS Act. Since then, nearly 10,000 cases have been instituted before these courts, underlining the growing burden of narcotics-related prosecutions.Courts repeatedly noted the absence of independent witnesses even when recoveries were allegedly made in populated localities, failure to videograph recovery proceedings, contradictory testimonies by police and prosecution witnesses, delays in obtaining forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports, breaks in the chain of custody from seizure to laboratory examination, and inadequate documentary or electronic evidence to support recoveries.Judges observed that these deficiencies weakened the prosecution case and created reasonable doubt, ultimately leading to acquittals.Panipat emerged as a notable exception. According to Panipat public prosecutor Kuldeep Dhull, the district’s 96% conviction rate is the result of meticulous investigation and close coordination between investigators and prosecutors.“Investigating officers are trained in evidence collection and witness counselling,” Dhull said, adding that independent witnesses are associated wherever possible and recovery proceedings are videographed. Applications under Section 311 CrPC are moved whenever additional witnesses are required.Dhull said investigators ensure that the chain of custody, from seizure of narcotics to laboratory examination, is meticulously maintained. “Witnesses are counselled and prosecutors scrutinise investigation files thoroughly before the charge sheet is filed. Any shortcomings are pointed out to the police and rectified before trial,” he said, adding that police officers are regularly briefed on deficiencies highlighted by courts so similar mistakes are not repeated in future investigations.“If evidence is preserved properly and presented effectively in court, securing conviction becomes much easier,” Dhull said.The analysis also underlines the backlog these courts were set up to address. Until 2019, nearly 7,000 NDPS cases were pending across Haryana. During this period, 64 accused died before their trials concluded, while 40 accused absconded. Sirsa accounted for the highest number of deaths (23), while Kaithal recorded the highest number of absconders (16).To improve the pace of disposal, Haryana govt in June notified the establishment of 13 additional exclusive fast track special NDPS courts, taking the total number in the state from eight to 21. Under the notification, one additional court each has been set up in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Panchkula, Rohtak and Yamunanagar, two additional courts in Fatehabad, and six additional courts in Sirsa. The new courts will function under additional sessions judges to expedite trials.
