Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Lawyers Seek More Mumbai NDPS Courts Amid Massive Backlog
Mumbai’s special courts that handle drug-related cases have many more cases than they can finish.
About 4,747 cases are waiting to be heard.
One of the four courts has been vacant for two months.
Forty-three lawyers want the Bombay High Court to create four more courts.
The courts also handle bail requests, custody matters and other legal applications.
New cases continue to arrive every week.
Some people accused in these cases stay in jail for more than three years before their trials begin.
Lawyers say cases can take a long time because they may have dozens of witnesses.
A public prosecutor also said delays can make evidence and witnesses harder to find.
Forty-three lawyers have urged the Bombay High Court to increase Mumbai’s special NDPS courts from four to eight.
About 4,747 NDPS cases are pending, including one dating to 1989, while trials are underway in only 509 cases.
One of the four special courts has reportedly remained vacant for two months.
Courts receive 15 to 16 new cases weekly and handle bail, remand, custody and other applications.
Lawyers said some accused remain jailed for more than three years before trial, with lengthy witness lists contributing to delays.
- Who
- Forty-three lawyers, Bombay High Court judges Justice M.S. Karnik and Justice Neela Gokhale, and agencies handling NDPS cases are involved.
- What
- Lawyers have requested an increase in Mumbai’s special NDPS courts from four to eight because of a backlog of about 4,747 cases.
- When
- The report is dated August 20, 2026; the lawyers submitted their letter earlier that month.
- Where
- Mumbai, before the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- The lawyers cited heavy caseloads, continuing new cases, lengthy trials and prolonged custody as reasons for expanding the courts.
- Pending cases
- About 4,747 cases are pending before Mumbai’s special NDPS courts.
- Oldest case
- One pending case dates back to 1989.
- Current courts
- There are four special NDPS courts, with one reportedly vacant for two months.
- Requested expansion
- Lawyers have sought an increase from four courts to eight.
- Trials underway
- Trials are underway in 509 cases.
- New cases
- Agencies register an average of 15 to 16 new cases each week.
- Daily listings
- Around 60 cases are listed before each court every day.