UPSC Notes

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

PYQs

4

Articles

1

Momentum

13

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The NDPS Act is a cornerstone of India's legal framework against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, addressing significant social, health, economic, and internal security challenges. Understanding its provisions, enforcement, and impact is crucial for governance and social justice.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is the principal legislation in India that prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except for medical or scientific purposes. It aims to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking by providing stringent penalties.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Purpose

To consolidate and amend the law relating to narcotic drugs, and to make stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Key Provisions

Prohibits cultivation, production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, warehousing, use, consumption, import, export of specified substances.

Enforcement Body

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) established under the Act, along with other central and state agencies like DRI and State Police.

Penalties

Prescribes severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, varying based on the quantity of the substance involved.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)Enforces
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)Enforces
State PoliceEnforces
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Principal law against drug abuse and trafficking in India.
  • Prohibits production, possession, sale, transport of specified substances.
  • Establishes Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
  • Prescribes stringent penalties for violations.
  • Addresses social, health, and security dimensions.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social Policies

Related topics

Current topic

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

Practice writing on this topic

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