Publication of Notification in the Gazette of India (Extra ordinary) Part II, Section 3, Sub Section (i) Regarding.

## Policy Analysis Report: Reconstitution of Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, regarding the reconstitution of an Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. The notification, dated April 18, 2022, supersedes an earlier notification (G.S.R. No. 208E dated 16th March, 2022) and establishes a new Advisory Board with immediate effect, valid until March 22, 2023. The key finding is the replacement of the previous board with a new one comprised of three justices. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, pertaining to the reconstitution of the Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (hereinafter referred to as the PITNDPS Act, 1988). The analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification is an amendment to the existing framework established under the PITNDPS Act, 1988. It specifically supersedes the Notification G.S.R. No. 208E dated 16th March, 2022, which likely detailed the composition of a prior Advisory Board. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the provided text, is to reconstitute the Advisory Board responsible for advising on matters related to the prevention of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification represents an amendment, specifically a reconstitution of the advisory board. The rationale for the specific amendment (reconstitution) is not explicitly stated. However, one can infer a need to update or change the composition of the board. This could be due to various reasons, such as the expiration of terms of previous members, a desire for different expertise on the board, or other administrative considerations. The provided text offers no specific details on the reason. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification focuses *specifically* on changes to the Advisory Board. * **What specific part of the original policy is being changed:** The specific change is the reconstitution of the Advisory Board. The earlier notification (G.S.R. No. 208E dated 16th March, 2022) is entirely superseded, meaning the *entire* previously constituted board is replaced. * **What the *new* rule/provision *is*, based *only* on the amendment text:** The new provision establishes a new Advisory Board, effective immediately until 22.03.2023, consisting of: * Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar (Chairperson) * Hon'ble Ms. Justice Jyoti Singh (Member) * Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prateek Jalan (Member) * **Explain the *difference* or the *effect* of this specific change:** The key effect of this change is the complete replacement of the previous Advisory Board. The difference lies in the specific individuals now appointed to the board. The newly appointed board consists of three Justices. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are likely those individuals and organizations involved in or affected by the enforcement and implementation of the PITNDPS Act, 1988. This includes: * Law enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking. * Individuals subject to the PITNDPS Act, 1988. * The Judiciary, particularly in cases related to the Act. * Government agencies responsible for drug control and policy. * Legal professionals practicing in this area of law. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, is the responsible agency. The Advisory Board itself is also a key body in the implementation of the PITNDPS Act. * **Any timelines or procedures specified *in the text*:** The notification specifies that the reconstitution is with "immediate effect" and is valid "for a period up to 22.03.2023." No other specific procedures are outlined in the provided text. The implication is that the new board assumes its responsibilities immediately. * **Specific to the changes:** The implementation aspect of these changes means the newly appointed board members must immediately undertake their responsibilities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this specific change (reconstitution of the Advisory Board) is to ensure the continued effective functioning of the advisory process related to the prevention of illicit drug trafficking. The composition of the board with three Justices suggests a focus on legal and judicial expertise in advising the government on these matters. The impact is a shift in the advisory perspective to reflect the expertise and experiences of the new board members. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report pertains to the reconstitution of the Advisory Board under the PITNDPS Act, 1988. The notification supersedes a previous notification and establishes a new board consisting of three Justices, effective immediately until March 22, 2023. This reconstitution signifies a shift in the advisory body's composition, likely intended to bring a renewed perspective and expertise to the crucial task of advising the government on matters related to drug trafficking prevention.

Key Entities Referenced