Central Government to take measures for preventing and combating abuse of and illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, etc
Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 deals with central Government to take measures for preventing and combating abuse of and illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, etc. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government shall take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of preventing and combating abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the illicit traffic therein [and for ensuring their medical and scientific The Act came into force on 14 Nov 1985.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government shall take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of preventing and combating abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the illicit traffic therein 1[and for ensuring their medical and scientific use].
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures which the Central Government may take under that sub-section include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(a) coordination of actions by various officers, State Governments and other authorities--
(i) under this Act, or
(ii) under any other law for the time being in force in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this Act;
(b) obligations under the International Conventions;
(c) assistance to the concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organisations with a view to facilitating coordination and universal action for prevention and suppression of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances;
(d) identification, treatment, education, after care, rehabilitation and social re-integration of addicts;
2[(da) availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific use;]
(e) such other matters as the Central Government deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act and preventing and combating the abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and illicit traffic therein.
(3) The Central Government may, if it considers it necessary or expedient so to do for the purposes of this Act, by order, published in the Official Gazette, constitute an authority or a hierarchy of authorities by such name or names as may be specified in the order for the purpose of exercising such of the powers and functions of the Central Government under this Act and for taking measures with respect to such of the matters referred to in sub-section (2) as may be mentioned in the order, and subject to the supervision and control of the Central Government and the provisions of such order, such authority or authorities may exercise the powers and take the measures so mentioned in the order as if such authority or authorities had been empowered by this Act to exercise those powers and take such measures.
Section 4, The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Act 61 of 1985).
Cross-references
Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.
Made under this section, and citing it
1 instrument states that it was made under this provision — the power to make it comes from here, so a change to any of them changes what this section requires in practice. Newest first.
Another 3 instruments name this provision in its title or its text without being made under it.
Questions about Section 4
What does Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act deal with?
Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is headed "Central Government to take measures for preventing and combating abuse of and illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, etc". Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government shall take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of preventing and combating abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the illicit traffic therein [and for ensuring their medical and scientific
How do I find court cases under Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: NDPS Act 4, section 4 NDPS Act, section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
What should I read with Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and has it changed?
2 other provisions in this corpus refer back to it. The rules and notifications made under it are where it actually bites, and there is one: most recently SO 739(E) (2011).
When did Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act come into force?
Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, cited as NDPS Act 4, came into force on 14 Nov 1985, having been enacted on 16 Sep 1985. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 2. Definitions1747 words
- 68B. Definitions819 words
- 9. Power of Central Government to permit, control and regulate816 words
- 36A. Offences triable by Special Courts631 words
- 10. Power of State Government to permit, control and regulate568 words
- 42. Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant or authorisation507 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.