Punjab and Haryana High Court for strict bail rules in drug cases

Saurabh Malik

Chandigarh, July 29

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has declared that rampant drug addiction in Punjab and neighbouring regions has reached alarming levels, severely impacting the region’s progress and stability despite government efforts and numerous campaigns.

Emphasising the need for a rigorous stance to protect future generations, the court also called for stricter law enforcement as part of an all-inclusive strategy that included effective rehabilitation programmes and community-based initiatives to educate and support those affected.

The ruling by Justice Manisha Batra comes as a major embarrassment for Punjab as the state police have consistently claimed breakthroughs and the adoption of stringent measures against narcotics.

Justice Batra said the epidemic was fuelled by easy access to narcotics and lack of awareness about the dangers of drug consumption. The consequences were devastating, leading to broken families, increased crime rates, and overwhelming pressure on the healthcare system.

“Despite the government’s efforts and numerous campaigns to combat the crisis, the deep-rooted issue of drug addiction continues to undermine the region’s development and stability. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including stricter law enforcement, effective rehabilitation programs and community-based initiatives to educate and support those affected,” Justice Batra asserted.

Virtually laying down the guidelines, Justice Batra said the bail applications involving offences under the NDPS Act were required to be “handled with utmost strictness”.

Granting bail by taking a lenient view could undermine efforts to curb drug menace, thereby allowing offenders to evade justice and continue perpetrating harm to society, the court said.