High Court of Meghalaya
M. Kharkongor vs . State Of Meghalaya on 26 May, 2022
Serial No. 03 HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
Regular List AT SHILLONG
PIL No. 13 of 2018
Date of order: 26.05.2022
M. Kharkongor vs. State of Meghalaya
Coram:
Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Chief Justice
Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
Appearance:
For the Petitioner : Mr. S.P. Mahanta, Amicus Curiae with
Mr. M. Lyngdoh, Adv.
For the Respondent : Mr. S. Sengupta, Addl.Sr.GA with
Ms. S. Laloo, GA
Dr. N. Mozika, ASG with
Ms. K. Gurung, GA
i) Whether approved for Yes/No
reporting in Law journals etc.:
ii) Whether approved for publication Yes/No
in press:
JUDGMENT: (per the Hon'ble, the Chief Justice) (Oral)
An important matter of public interest was brought to the fore in
course of the present public interest litigation.
2. There is a perception that there may be concerted moves by
inimical interests to push drugs and psychotropic substances in the North-
East, particularly in and around Shillong which attracts tourists and a lot
of the younger crowd.
3. With the assistance of learned Amicus Curiae and the several
meetings conducted with State and private officials at various levels,
including the welcome participation of the defence personnel, the need to
be on the guard may have been realised by the State administration.
4. Without going into the details, it is evident that steps have been
taken to ensure that the drug menace does not set deep roots in the State
or around the city. Both the police and the civil administration have
indicated several checks and guards having been put in place and constant
monitoring.
5. At the end of the day, the object of the exercise by way of a public
interest litigation is to make the authorities aware and guide them in
taking appropriate steps where some deficiency is noticed. From the
various affidavits and reports filed, it is evident that the State is alive to
the problem and that appropriate measures have been or are being put in
place to deal with the problem. Even the Army, Air Force and the
paramilitary forces which are present in the State have participated in the
meetings and have introduced measures to augment the civilian
government's efforts in such regard.
6. The present petition may have served its purpose for the moment.
However, it will be open to any public-spirited individual to bring the
matter to the notice of the Court afresh, if the desired measures are not in
place or there is any dropping of the guard by the administration.
7. The only additional point that ought to be recorded is for the State
to set up adequate number of rehabilitation centres with appropriate
facilities. Many a sad parent in the State with a child who is afflicted with
addiction, is now required to look beyond the State for appropriate
rehabilitation centres. This should not continue.
8. PIL No. 13 of 2018 is disposed of and closed with a word of
appreciation for learned Amicus Curiae and Advocates representing the
State for going beyond the call of duty to address an issue of great
importance.
9. There will be no order as to costs.
(W. Diengdoh) (Sanjib Banerjee)
Judge Chief Justice
Meghalaya
26.05.2022
"Sylvana PS"
