How Section 64A of the NDPS Act saved a drug addict from prosecution

A Pune court invoked section 64A of the NDPS Act, 1985 to save a 23-year-old drug user from prosecution, directing him to undergo treatment at a de-addiction centre.

Section 64A grants immunity from prosecution to drug addicts charged only with consumption or possession of small quantities for personal use, if they voluntarily seek treatment.

The case was registered at Nanded City police station on July 15 under sections 8(c) and 27 of the NDPS Act, and a chargesheet was filed before the court.

The court ordered one month of de-addiction and rehabilitation at Atmanirbhar Social Foundation's centre in Kirkitwadi, with a progress report due by August 30, 2026.

The order is believed to be the first in the state where section 64A was applied after a chargesheet, signaling a shift towards treating addiction as a public health concern.