In a major development, the Acting Chief Justice has directed that all bail applications in narcotics cases will now be heard by division benches of the High Courts instead of single judges.
The decision comes in line with the 54th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee held on 18 August 2025, where reforms in narcotics-related cases were discussed. According to the new directive, bail petitions under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 and corresponding provincial laws must be placed before a two-member bench.
The move is aimed at ensuring greater scrutiny and consistency in decisions relating to drug-related offences, which often involve serious punishments and large networks.
Legal experts believe this step could help bring more uniformity in handling bail matters under narcotics laws, but it may also increase the workload on division benches.
