Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Tashi Rabstan, today visited Baramulla and inaugurated the newly created Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Court at District Court Complex here.
The Chief Justice, who is also administrative Judge of Baramulla, inaugurated the NDPS court in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar Shukla Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice, M.K. Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge Baramulla, Jawad Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa, SSP Baramulla Mohammad Zaid Malik and other members of the bar and district administration officers.
The NDPS court will oversee and settle the cases that come under the NDPS Act, which prohibits the production, manufacturing, cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, and/or consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance to ensure that drug-dependent and non-violent offenders receive the necessary services while still being held accountable.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Tashi Rabstan emphasized the crucial role that specialized courts like the NDPS Court play in the effective dispensation of justice. He commended the efforts of the judiciary and law enforcement in tackling the growing menace of narcotic drugs in the region.
The Chief Justice further said that the specialized court will serve as an instrumental platform for addressing cases involving drug trafficking and abuse in a swift and focused manner. He stated that through concentrating resources and judicial expertise, the NDPS Court will help to streamline proceedings and reduce delays in delivering judgements, ensuring justice is served in a timely fashion.
On the occasion, Justice Tashi Rabstan also distributed wheelchairs, crutches, and other aid material among the persons with disabilities (PwDs), aiming to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice conducted a thorough inspection of the courtrooms at the district court complex and assessed the efficiency of court operations, infrastructure, and accessibility for both the judiciary and the public.
Later, Justice Tashi Rabstan interacted with the members of the Bar Association Baramulla who put forth their grievances, and the Chief Justice assured them of prompt redressal to their issues at hand.