MNLU Nagpur Hosts National Conference on NDPS Law Reforms

Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur successfully organised a Two-Day National Conference titled “Four Decades of the NDPS Act, 1985: Jurisprudential Evolution, Contemporary Challenges, and a Roadmap towards a Drug-Free India by 2047” on 10th and 11th April, 2026. The Conference brought together Sr. Adv. Vikram Choudhary, Sr. Adv. Tanveer Ahmed Mir, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, IRS Sameer Wankhede, Adv. Mayank Makhija (ED), Adv. Seema Joshi (UNODC), IRS Amit Ghawate (NCB), IPS Harsh Poddar, along with other distinguished resource persons and students from across the country to deliberate upon the evolving legal and institutional responses to drug-related challenges in India.

Inaugural Session
The Conference commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Trisha Mittal, Conference Coordinator, who extended a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitaries and participants. She expressed her gratitude to the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur; Shri Deepak L. Bhagwat, Registrar of the University; esteemed speakers; members of academia; representatives from enforcement agencies and policy institutions; and the participants and students for their presence and contribution to the Conference. Dr. Trisha stated,

“As the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 completes four decades of its enforcement, it becomes necessary to engage in a principled and critical reflection on its jurisprudential evolution, institutional mechanisms, and contemporary challenges. The vision of a Drug-Free India by 2047 is not merely aspirational; it is a constitutional and societal commitment that demands a coordinated, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary response.”

This was followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, MNLU Nagpur. Emphasising the vision of a drug-free nation, he remarked,

“As we look ahead to Viksit Bharat 2047, our nation’s centenary of independence, the question before us is not simply one of law enforcement. It is a question about the kind of society we wish to be. A Drug-Free India by 2047 is not a slogan; it is a covenant with our children and with our future. And achieving that vision will require us, as jurists, as legal scholars, as practitioners, as policymakers, and as citizens, to think with both rigour and compassion.”

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, addressed the gathering virtually and delivered a thought-provoking keynote on the complexities surrounding investigation, trial processes, and evolving bail jurisprudence under the NDPS Act. His address provided valuable insights into the practical challenges and judicial trends in narcotics-related prosecutions.

The Inaugural Session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Ila Sudame, Co-Coordinator of the Conference, who expressed sincere gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar and Shri Deepak L. Bhagwat, Registrar of the University, for their constant support and encouragement in organising the Conference. She also acknowledged the contributions of Live Law, the Media Partner, and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and Manupatra, the Knowledge Partners, for their valuable association with the event.

Plenary Session I : Law enforcement responses for combating narcotics trafficking, illicit financial flows, cross-border drug networks.

The first plenary session witnessed the presence of distinguished experts from enforcement, prosecution, and international policy domains, including Shri Amit Ghawate, IRS, Additional Director, NCB Mumbai Zonal Unit; Adv. Mayank Makhija, Assistant Legal Advisor and Special Public Prosecutor, Enforcement Directorate; and Adv. Seema Joshi, Criminal Justice Expert, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Shri Amit Ghawate, who joined virtually, delivered a comprehensive exposition on the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, elucidating its statutory framework while also sharing valuable practical insights into its enforcement. He explained the pivotal role of the Narcotics Control Bureau as the nodal agency for drug law enforcement and coordination in India, functioning through a dual strategy of supply reduction and demand reduction. His presentation covered key aspects such as intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, investigation procedures including search, seizure and arrest, and the filing of complaints within statutory timelines.

During the course of plenary session Sh. Mayank Makhija began by laying stress upon how the statutory enactments such as PMLA/NDPS are interrelated to each other. He stated,

“Money laundering is an extension of drug trafficking in narcotic cases as these crimes are committed only to earn illicit money and that money is then laundered into legitimate businesses. PMLA is a stringent tool to curb not only drug trafficking but to effectively break the backbone of this trade by attaching and confiscating the funds involved and generated from the said acts. PMLA ensures that the very substratum of the shadow economy run by drug mafias is dismantled.”

He also elaborated upon the manner in which illicit drug trade fuels financial crimes, particularly in cross-border contexts, and explained the sophisticated mechanisms employed by accused persons to launder proceeds of crime.

Adv. Seema Joshi, representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), provided a comprehensive international perspective on addressing the global drug problem. She highlighted the mandates and priorities of UNODC in South Asia, particularly in light of international commitments such as the UNGASS declarations and global drug policy frameworks. Drawing from the World Drug Report, she underscored emerging challenges, including the proliferation of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Her address placed significant emphasis on a balanced approach combining prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, while also stressing the importance of family-based interventions and life-skills programmes. She further elaborated on India-specific initiatives and called for a coordinated, multi-level response integrating both top-down policy measures and community-driven efforts to effectively combat drug abuse and trafficking.

Plenary Session II : Rehabilitation & de-addiction as a legal and socio-institutional response to drug dependence and social reintegration.

The second plenary session centred on the theme of rehabilitation and de-addiction, bringing together a diverse panel comprising IPS Harsh Poddar, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur; Mr. Ravi Padhye, Director & Mr. Tushar Natu Senior counsellor, Maitraiyee De-addiction Treatment-cum-Rehabilitation Centre, Nagpur; Mr. Naveed Ahmed, Lead, Crime and Punishment, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (who joined virtually); and Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor, AIIMS Nagpur. The session reflected a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from law enforcement, policy, medical science, and rehabilitation practice.

IPS Harsh Poddar provided critical ground-level insights into the changing patterns of drug consumption, particularly highlighting the growing prevalence of substance abuse among youth and within college spaces. Drawing from real-life instances in Nagpur, he emphasised the need to move beyond a purely punitive approach and underscored the importance of early intervention, awareness, and coordinated institutional response to address the evolving drug culture.

The session further highlighted the importance of adopting a rehabilitation-centric framework, as echoed by all speakers. Discussions emphasised that the NDPS Act, 1985 envisions not only deterrence but also rehabilitation of drug users, though its implementation has often remained enforcement-heavy. Speakers stressed the urgent need to treat addiction as a public health concern rather than merely a criminal issue, advocating for diversion of users towards treatment and counselling mechanisms instead of incarceration.

Mr. Ravi Padhye, drawing from his experience in running a rehabilitation centre, elaborated upon the practical challenges faced in de-addiction efforts, including issues of accessibility, affordability, stigma, and relapse. Similarly, Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh highlighted the medical and psychological dimensions of addiction, advocating for evidence-based treatment, early diagnosis, and integration of mental health services within rehabilitation frameworks. Mr. Naveed Ahmed provided a policy-oriented perspective, emphasising the necessity of legal reforms that strengthen the interface between the criminal justice system and rehabilitation mechanisms.

Plenary Session III : Criminal proceedings under the NDPS Act, 1985: Procedural safeguards, effective prosecution, and defence strategies.

The third plenary session emerged as the centre of attraction of the Conference, bringing together an eminent panel comprising Senior Advocate Vikram Choudhary, Senior Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir, and IRS Sameer Wankhede. The session witnessed a dynamic and intellectually stimulating exchange between enforcement and defence perspectives, offering participants a holistic understanding of the NDPS regime.
IRS Sameer Wankhede provided a concise overview of the NDPS Act, 1985, tracing its evolution into a stringent legal framework shaped by domestic and international concerns. He highlighted key provisions, including the graded punishment system and important sections governing offences and bail, while also explaining enforcement mechanisms such as search, seizure, and arrest. He emphasised the practical challenges faced by enforcement agencies, including infrastructural constraints, cross-border trafficking, and evolving methods like darknet and courier-based drug distribution.

He also drew attention to emerging threats such as high-potency hydroponic cannabis, underscoring the need for effective implementation and deterrence within the existing legal framework. Responding to a query on high-profile NDPS cases and media scrutiny, he emphasised that investigations must remain strictly evidence-based and guided by statutory procedure, insulated from public or media pressure. He noted that adherence to due process, proper documentation, and institutional checks are essential to ensure objectivity, and that enforcement agencies are duty-bound to act fairly and transparently, regardless of the profile of the case or individuals involved.

Responding to the enforcement perspective, Senior Advocate Vikram Choudhary articulated the role of the defence in ensuring fairness and accountability within the criminal justice system. He emphasised that,
“Both enforcement agencies and defence counsel are equally committed to eradicating the menace of drugs and are “equal patriots” working towards a safer society. However, he underscored that the role of the defence lies in preserving the essential checks and balances in investigation, particularly in light of the stringent nature of the NDPS Act.”

Acknowledging the challenges highlighted by IRS Wankhede, including infrastructural and operational difficulties, he stressed that the severity of punishment under the Act necessitates stricter adherence to procedural safeguards. Drawing from landmark judgments, he discussed the importance of compliance with statutory safeguards, the doctrine of “fruit of the poisonous tree,” and the principle that procedural lapses cannot be overlooked even in serious offences. He further highlighted issues such as evidentiary integrity, chain of custody, and the need for transparency in investigation, advocating for reforms such as the use of body cameras and technological tools to ensure fairness and objectivity.

Senior Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir complemented the discussion by offering deep insights into defence strategies under the NDPS framework. He emphasised the importance of constitutional safeguards, particularly under Article 21, and the necessity of ensuring that the procedure established by law remains fair, just, and reasonable. He drew comparative references to criminal justice systems in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, highlighting best practices in evidentiary disclosure and defence rights. Through illustrative case discussions, he demonstrated how lapses in investigation, improper documentation, and non-compliance with mandatory provisions can significantly impact the outcome of trials. He also underscored the importance of distinguishing between different categories of offenders, consumers, peddlers, and major traffickers and advocated for a more nuanced and balanced approach in prosecution.

The session concluded with valuable life lessons imparted by both Senior Advocates, who encouraged students to uphold integrity, fairness, and objectivity in legal practice. They emphasised that the ultimate aim of the criminal justice system is the delivery of justice, and that neither public sentiment nor institutional pressure should overshadow the foundational principles of due process and rule of law.

During the valedictory session, the award for best paper presenter was conferred upon Shri Shivkumar Iyer, Assistant Director (Retd.), National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics while Ms. Gauraangi B. Naik, Assistant Professor, Goa University, was recognised as second best paper presenter.
The Conference was organised under the guidance of the Faculty Coordinators, Prof. (Dr.) Shilpa Jain, Dr. Trisha Mittal, Dr. Divita Pagey, and Dr. Ila Sudame, along with the dedicated efforts of the Student Coordinators, Mr. Naman Sharma, Mr. Shashwat Raut, Mr. Vineet, Mr. Alen Thomas, and Ms. Nandini. The Conference was conceptualised by Dr. Trisha Mittal and Mr. Naman Sharma, whose vision was to create a meaningful academic platform for critical engagement on the NDPS Act and its evolving jurisprudence. Their initiative was complemented by the collective efforts of the organising team, whose meticulous planning and coordination ensured the smooth conduct of the Conference. The event stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the University in fostering dialogue between academia, legal practitioners, enforcement agencies, and policy experts on issues of national importance.

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