Justice Nagarathna cautioned about the serious socio economic and psychological impacts of drug abuse stating that it poses a threat to erode the potential of the nation youth.
On Monday the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the troubling increase in drug abuse among India youth noting that substance abuse has unfortunately come to be seen as a symbol of being cool.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh made these remarks while upholding the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation into Ankush Vipan Kapoor who is accused of being involved in a drug trafficking network that smuggled heroin from Pakistan into India through sea routes.
Justice Nagarathna delivering the key portion of the judgment cautioned about the profound socio economic and psychological consequences of drug abuse warning that it threatens to corrode the potential of the nation youth. The full text of the verdict is expected to be released later in the day.
The court emphasized the need for immediate and collective action from various stakeholders, including parents, society and state authorities to combat this issue. It also issued guidelines to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to spearhead a coordinated response.
The court expressed earnest disquiet over the unprecedented spread of drugs across India noting that it affects all ages, communities and religions. Justice Nagarathna emphasized the devastating impact of the drug trade stating that it funds violence and terrorism while also destabilizing society.
The judgment linked the rising drug consumption among youth to factors such as peer pressure academic stress and cultural influences that promote dangerous lifestyles.
The court expressed particular concern over how escapism has become a default coping mechanism for facing challenges urging the younger generation to take control of their decision making autonomy.
The bench emphasized the crucial role of parents in preventing substance abuse encouraging them to create a nurturing and emotionally supportive environment for their children. The most important desire of adolescents is love and affection from parents observed Justice Nagarathna adding that such affection and compassion can counter the temptation of substance abuse.
Highlighting the need to destigmatize addiction, the court called for drug abuse victims to be treated with empathy and supported through rehabilitation. “This is the need of the hour—to create constructive citizens and cut off the profit supply of drug traffickers,” the judgment stated.
Justice Nagarathna urged adolescents to reject the glorification of substance use and work towards becoming responsible citizens.
“Drug abuse cannot be treated as a taboo,” the court noted, advocating for open dialogue and preventive measures to safeguard vulnerable members of society. It stressed the importance of educational programs, counseling, and community-based interventions to effectively address the issue.
While the judgment upheld an NIA investigation into Kapoor’s alleged role in a narcotics racket smuggling heroin from Pakistan into India, the court’s observations extended beyond the specific case, addressing the wider societal challenges posed by substance abuse.
