In exercise of the powers conferred by clause a of Section 9 of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs

## Report on Notification Regarding Advisory Board Constitution under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, concerning the constitution of an Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. The notification, effective from March 23, 2021, establishes a new Advisory Board for a period of one year, superseding a previous notification (G.S.R. 182E, dated March 17, 2020). The key finding is the establishment of a newly composed Advisory Board with named members, indicating a continued focus on combating illicit drug trafficking. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a notification published in the Gazette of India on March 16, 2021, regarding the constitution of an Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS Act). The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification represents an amendment to the implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. It supersedes a previous notification, G.S.R. 182E, dated March 17, 2020. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to ensure the continued operation of an Advisory Board responsible for providing guidance and oversight related to the prevention of illicit drug trafficking, as mandated by Section 9(a) of the PITNDPS Act. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification supersedes a previous one (G.S.R. 182E) that was in effect. The reason for this specific amendment appears to be the need to reconstitute the Advisory Board, likely due to the expiration of the previous board's term or the need for changes in membership. The supersession ensures the continued functioning of the advisory mechanism under the PITNDPS Act. The previous board was constituted under Notification G.S.R. 182E, dated 17th March, 2020. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces the following key changes: * **Supersession:** It explicitly supersedes Notification G.S.R. 182E, dated March 17, 2020, except for actions already taken or omitted before the date of supersession. This means that the actions taken under the previous notification are still valid but that a new board is established under the new Notification. * **New Advisory Board Constitution:** It establishes a new Advisory Board with the following members: * Hon'ble Mr. Justice D.N. Patel, Chief Justice, Chairperson * Hon'ble Mr. Justice J. R., Midha, Member * Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar, Member * **Board Tenure:** The newly constituted Advisory Board is established for a period of one year. * **Effective Date:** The notification comes into force on March 23, 2021. The effect of these changes is to replace the previous Advisory Board with a newly appointed one with a specific one-year term. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the direct stakeholders affected by this notification include: * The members of the newly constituted Advisory Board (Hon'ble Mr. Justice D.N. Patel, Hon'ble Mr. Justice J. R., Midha, and Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar). * The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, responsible for implementing the PITNDPS Act. * Law enforcement agencies involved in combating illicit drug trafficking. * Individuals or entities subject to the provisions of the PITNDPS Act, as the Advisory Board provides oversight and guidance related to its implementation. * The legal professionals who must adhere to this Notification **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, is responsible for implementing this notification. The Director, PITNDPS, as indicated by the signature, likely plays a key role in the operational aspects. * **Timeline:** The Advisory Board is constituted for a period of one year, starting from March 23, 2021. * **Procedures:** The notification itself does not specify detailed procedures. However, it implies that the newly constituted board will need to establish its own internal procedures for fulfilling its advisory role under the PITNDPS Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these changes is to ensure the continued and effective functioning of the Advisory Board in providing guidance and oversight related to the prevention of illicit drug trafficking. The specific impact of the new board will depend on its activities and recommendations during its one-year term. The expectation is that the newly appointed board will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the advisory role, potentially leading to improved strategies for combating drug trafficking. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report signifies a routine, yet important, administrative action by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue. It ensures the ongoing operation of the Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, by reconstituting the board with new members for a defined period. The establishment of this new board underscores the government's continued commitment to addressing the issue of illicit drug trafficking.

Key Entities Referenced