Srinagar, April 11 -- Jammu- The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has underscored that trials under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act must be conducted with "utmost expedition," given the stringent bail provisions and severe punishments under the law.

"In cases under the NDPS Act, it is incumbent upon both the prosecution and the trial court to ensure that proceedings are concluded with the utmost expedition," said a Bench of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, adding, "This mandate is particularly critical given the stringent punishments prescribed under the Act and the statutory embargo on bail for offences involving a commercial quantity."

The court made the observation while dismissing a bail application filed by one Afroz Ah...