DRUG TRAFFICKING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN INDIA: A CRITICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE NDPS ACT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TAMIL NADU

The proliferation of drug trafficking and substance abuse constitutes one of
the most formidable challenges confronting contemporary legal systems. In
India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS
Act) forms the cornerstone of the legislative response to this crisis. This
article critically examines the legal architecture of the NDPS Act, scrutinises
the enforcement mechanisms operational in India with particular focus on
Tamil Nadu, evaluates the evolving jurisprudence of superior courts, and
undertakes a comparative state-level analysis. The study adopts a doctrinal
methodology grounded in statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, and
policy analysis. Findings indicate that while the Act provides a rigorous
punitive framework, its practical efficacy is substantially undermined by
procedural lapses, forensic infrastructure deficiencies, prolonged trial delays,
and inadequate rehabilitative provisions. Landmark decisions including
Tofan Singh v. State of Tamil Nadu and State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh
have recalibrated the balance between enforcement imperatives and
constitutional guarantees. The article concludes with targeted legislative,
administrative, and social policy recommendations aimed at strengthening
the drug control regime, with tailored prescriptions for Tamil Nadu.
Keywords: NDPS Act 1985; drug trafficking; substance abuse; Tamil Nadu;
judicial interpretation; enforcement; rehabilitation; narcotic drugs;
psychotropic substances; procedural safeguards