Meghalaya High Court comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh directed the State Government to take measures to control the spread and entry of drug entities in the State.
Background:
In the present case dealing with control of drug entities, Mr. SP Mahanta, Amicus Curiae, stated before the court that the drug menace in the State has reached an alarming level and unless immediate steps are taken, a generation or more may be lost to addiction.
He also expressed his concerns towards the plight of young girls in and around Shillong and the everyday discovery of signs of drug use from all over the place, including around the golf course.
Observation of the Court:
Court strictly ordered that state shall take a serious attempt to control the entry of drugs and to keep a vigil over the spread thereof.
It was stated that the Court is not equipped to advise the State on how to go about the matter.
The reports of rampant drug use in Laban and other areas were taken into the notice by court.
Bench reiterated that,
“Whether it is by simultaneously organising awareness drives and taking exemplary measures against those peddling drugs on the streets, the State machinery has to act against the obvious kingpins and not concentrate only on the mules. The State has to use the machinery to ascertain the source of drugs and the routes that the peddlers take so that ameliorative steps taken now can save the State the cost of undertaking a massive repair-work upon the affliction becoming more widespread.”
The Bench was of the view that it is imperative that there should be a well-equipped de-addiction centre, or several centres, to particularly cater to younger girls who may be driven towards destitution upon being addicted to drugs. It is hoped that both the Departments of Health and Social Welfare would do their best to address the menace in an effective manner.
After giving directions to the state the matter was listed to be taken on 23rd March, 2022.
Case title : M. Kharkongor v. State of Meghalaya
Picture Source :
