Institutional Accountability Requires Permanent Staff in NDPS Courts: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court emphasized that courts dealing with cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 must have permanent staff to ensure proper functioning and accountability.

The Court observed that relying on temporary or ad-hoc staff can affect efficiency, record-keeping, and responsibility in handling serious criminal cases.

Since NDPS cases involve strict legal procedures and serious offences, stable administrative support is necessary.

The High Court stressed that permanent staffing will help maintain institutional accountability and improve the overall working of NDPS courts, ensuring that justice is delivered effectively and without administrative lapses.

[Suo Motu Proceedings Initiated by The High Court of Kerala v. State of Kerala & Ors.]