New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Saturday approved the establishment of 35 exclusive special courts to expedite the trial of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The move is aimed at reducing the backlog of drug-related cases and addressing delays in their disposal.

The decision comes as Punjab continues to face a substantial pendency of NDPS cases. As of August 31, 2026, the state had 52,577 such cases pending, with the average time taken for disposal estimated at around eight years, according to figures shared by the Chief Minister's Office.

The Cabinet has also approved 385 posts to support the functioning of the proposed courts. Th...