CriminalAct No. 61 of 1985In Force

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

Stringently regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India, prohibiting their production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, warehousing, use, consumption, import, export, and financing of illicit traffic. The Act provides for harsh minimum sentences and places the burden of proof on the accused to prove innocence.

Sections

Schedules

Ministry

Ministry of Finance

Last Amended

2014-05-26

Key Provisions

→Prohibition on dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

→Penalty structure based on quantity: small, commercial, and intermediate

→Minimum mandatory sentences — 10 years to 20 years for commercial quantities

→Bail restrictions — stringent twin conditions for bail

→Search, seizure, and arrest powers — without warrant

→Forfeiture of property derived from drug trafficking

→Controlled delivery — undercover operations

→International cooperation for drug law enforcement

Related Practice Areas

criminal-defence

NDPSnarcoticsdrugspsychotropic substancesbail conditionsdrug trafficking

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Indian government legislation is in the public domain under S.52(1)(q) of the Copyright Act, 1957. This reference is for educational purposes. Laws are amended frequently — verify the current text on the e-Gazette of India before relying on it for legal proceedings.