Drugs driving youth to crime, observes HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has come down heavily on the state government over its failure to curb the growing drug menace, holding that young individuals were being forced into theft and other criminal activities to sustain their drug addiction.

The court observed that the rampant drug abuse was “severely undermining the future of the country” and “gradually eroding the youth population, much like a termite”.

“The young individuals are resorting to theft and other criminal activities to satisfy their drug craving. This highlights the state government’s failure to address the growing drug problem, which is particularly alarming in Punjab,” Justice Sandeep Moudgil asserted.

Calling for decisive action against offenders, the court added it was duty-bound to intervene as the drug epidemic was endangering the very fabric of the nation.

“The court, as the guardian of its citizens, deems it essential to take decisive action against such offenders, especially when the lives and future of the nation’s youth are at stake. The drug epidemic must be tackled with the utmost seriousness. The illegal activities carried out by the individuals involved must be met with resolute measures,” Justice Moudgil added.

The judgment came in a case involving the recovery of 290 gm heroin.

Dealing with the facts of the case in hand, Justice Moudgil asserted the recovered quantity fells under the commercial category. As such, the “rigours” of Section 37 of the NDPS Act would apply. “It would not be just for the court to let the petitioner out,” the court ruled.