1. What is it?
The Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act makes it illegal to produce/manufacture/cultivate, possess, sell, purchase, transport, store, and/or consume any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, except in some cases for medical and scientific purposes under license. The Act extends to the whole of India and it also applies to all Indian citizens outside India and to all persons on ships and aircraft registered in India.
2. What are the provisions for treatment?
In NDPS Act, an addict is defined as a person who has dependence on any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance. If addicts are convicted for consumption or offences involving small quantity then they can be diverted to treatment by the court, instead of prison, for undergoing treatment for detoxification. Also, the court provides immunity from prosecution to addicts volunteering for treatment.