SC Stresses Rehabilitation Over Stigma In Tackling Drug Abuse

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed grave concern over the escalating drug abuse issue in India and stressed the need for rehabilitating affected individuals, particularly the youth, instead of demonizing them.

This statement was made during the court’s pronouncement on a bail plea involving a significant drug trafficking case.

A bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh underscored that drug abuse should not be treated as a taboo but rather as a pressing issue that requires open discussion. The justices pointed out the various factors driving this crisis, including the easy availability of drugs, peer pressure, academic stress, and family-related issues.

“We note our disquiet regarding substance abuse in India. The profits from drug trafficking are often used to fund terrorism, contributing to violence. Additionally, academic pressures and family disturbances are fueling this issue, leading to long-term social and economic instability,” the bench stated.

The justices also highlighted how the youth, particularly adolescents, are often drawn to drugs as an escape from emotional or psychological stress. “Adolescents are using drugs as a form of emotional escapism,” they noted, acknowledging that the issue is not confined to any particular social or economic group. Drug abuse impacts individuals across the spectrum of society.

“It is crucial that the youth do not follow those who resort to substance abuse. Victims of drug addiction are not just the underprivileged; they span all economic backgrounds,” the bench said. The judges stressed that the focus should shift from stigmatizing those struggling with addiction to helping them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

Rather than condemning those affected by substance abuse, the bench urged for rehabilitation efforts to help individuals overcome their addiction and become constructive members of society. “We need not demonize the ones who have resorted to it but rehabilitate the individuals,” the justices emphasized.

The observations were made in the context of a bail plea filed by an individual accused in a case involving the smuggling of 500 kilograms of heroin from Pakistan into India. The court highlighted how the profits from illicit drug activities are not only fueling the addiction crisis but also contributing to violence and terrorism.

The Supreme Court’s remarks call for a comprehensive approach to drug abuse, advocating for open dialogue, improved support systems, and a focus on rehabilitation over stigmatization. The judgment serves as a reminder that tackling the drug crisis requires understanding its root causes and providing affected individuals with the tools to recover and lead meaningful lives.

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