The Supreme Court of India raised a grave alarm over the growing drug abuse among the country’s youth, emphasizing the detrimental socio-economic and psychological consequences of substance abuse. Justice BV Nagarathna, along with Justice N Kotiswar Singh, issued these remarks while affirming an NIA probe into a case of heroin trafficking from Pakistan to India involving accused Ankush Vipan Kapoor.
Justice Nagarathna cautioned that drug abuse is eroding the nation’s future by targeting its youth, glamorized as “cool” due to societal influences and peer pressure. The court identified factors like academic stress, cultural shifts, and escapism as triggers driving substance use. It warned that the drug trade not only destabilizes society but also funds violence and terrorism.
Stressing the role of parents, the court called for nurturing environments to support adolescents and counter the lure of addiction. It emphasized the need for collective efforts by families, society, and government bodies, urging the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to spearhead prevention and rehabilitation campaigns.
The judgment also highlighted the importance of empathy and destigmatizing addiction, recommending educational programs, counselling, and community initiatives to tackle the crisis comprehensively. The court concluded by calling on India’s youth to resist harmful influences and embrace responsible lifestyles.
