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The bench stated that drug addiction should not be seen as a taboo subject. Rather, it required open discussions and awareness to address the issue
Supreme Court of India (Photo: PTI)
The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the growing issue of illegal drug trade and drug abuse in the country, stressing that instead of demonizing young people affected by drug addiction, there is a need to rehabilitate them.
A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh noted that drug abuse has unfortunately become a symbol of being “cool” among certain groups.
The bench stated that drug addiction should not be seen as a taboo subject. Rather, it required open discussions and awareness to effectively address the problem and find long-term solutions.
The Supreme Court’s remark was made during the hearing of a bail plea filed by a person accused of being involved in a case where 500 kilograms of heroin was allegedly smuggled from Pakistan to India.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the illegal drug trade in the country, noting that drug profits fuel terrorism and contribute to violence.
“Academic pressure and family disturbances also lead to the same, leading to long-term social and economic instability. Peer pressure, stress from academics and easy availability of drugs is a trigger and youth also use it as emotional escapism,” the court pointed out.
The court also emphasized that drug abuse affects not only the disadvantaged but people from all economic backgrounds.
“The youth must not follow those who resort to drug abuse and abuse victims are not only limited to the downtrodden but cross economic barriers. We do not need to demonize those who have resorted to it but rehabilitate the individuals and make them constructive citizens, it says.
(With inputs from PTI)
