Appoint regular psychiatrists at de-addiction centres: HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Adviser to the UT Administrator, along with the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana, to appoint psychiatrists on a regular basis at all de-addiction centres. The directive issued by the Division Bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma forms part of a comprehensive set of instructions aimed at ensuring adequate psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and social reintegration for drug addicts throughout Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

The direction came as the court asserted that the availability of psychiatric care was essential for addressing the behavioural and psychological effects of addiction on those seeking treatment. The Bench made it clear that providing proper psychiatric treatment would not only benefit the addicts, but also help reduce drug demand, which in turn could diminish the drug supply.

The Bench noted that the provision of psychiatric care to drug addicts would ultimately lead to a reduction in demand, which, in turn, would result in a decrease in supply and consequently reduce drug trafficking.

The court further highlighted the necessity of societal assimilation and social integration of drug addicts after they complete their de-addiction programmes. It observed that effective rehabilitation was critical in ensuring that individuals who had suffered from addiction could re-enter the mainstream and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

“Reiteratively, the immense swath of the population that can be effectively harnessed for the socio-economic development of the country can be weaned from drug abuse, especially since this would promote the socio-economic health of the nation,” the court observed.

Citing Section 71 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the court reiterated the statutory obligation of the government to establish and recognise centres for the identification, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of addicts. It further directed that requisitions were required to be sent to the Central Government if there was a funding deficit. It, in turn, was expected to release the necessary funds promptly.

The court also expressed its appreciation for the efforts of officials, including the Chief Secretary of Haryana and the Adviser to the UT Administrator of Chandigarh, as well as police officers involved in tackling the drug crisis. It directed that their contributions be recorded in their service records for acknowledging their crucial role in addressing the drug menace.

Recognising the national importance of the issue, the court directed the circulation of the order to all Chief Secretaries and Directors-General of Police across the country. “The directions are of pan national importance and all concerned are required to become sensitised to the directions to make the nation move ahead,” the court stated.

The order was also directed to be forwarded to the Union Home Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary to the Union Council of Ministers for them to consider passing directives in alignment with the high court ruling to ensure a unified response to the drug addiction crisis.