The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) is a comprehensive legislation enacted by India to regulate and control the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Its primary objective is to curb drug abuse while balancing the needs of medical and scientific use. The Act classifies substances into narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, providing a legal framework to differentiate between substances meant for medical use and those prone to abuse. This distinction is particularly significant in the context of alcohol, drugs, and HIV, as substance abuse is strongly linked with risky behaviors that increase HIV transmission. One major provision of the NDPS Act is the strict regulation of controlled substances. The Act prohibits the production, sale, and possession of certain narcotics like opium, heroin, and cannabis, as well as psychotropic substances such as LSD and amphetamines, except under license for medical or scientific purposes. This provision is crucial in preventing access to substances that can compromise judgment and lead to unsafe sexual practices, needle sharing, and other high-risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission. By restricting the availability of these substances, the Act indirectly supports public health