New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said that substance abuse has regrettably become a symbol of being “cool”, while expressing its discontent regarding the alarming increase of drug abuse among the youth in the country.
A bench comprising justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh warned about the severe socio-economic and psychological effects of drug abuse. The bench said that drug abuse threatens to “corrode the shine of the nation’s youth”, and added that it promotes “dangerous lifestyles”.
The apex court made these observations while affirming a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Ankush Vipan Kapoor. Kapoor has been accused of involvement in a drug trafficking network that smuggled heroin from Pakistan into India via sea routes.
The bench stressed that there should be a collective action from multiple stakeholders, including parents, society and state authorities, to stem the menace. The bench also issued guidelines to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to lead a coordinated response.
Justice Nagarathna, who read out the operative part of the judgment, while emphasising on consequences of drug trade, said it funds violence and terrorism while destabilising society. The judgment linked the issue of drugs, among the youth, to factors such as peer pressure, academic stress, and cultural influences.
"We note our disquiet regarding substance abuse in India. Profits are being used to support terrorism and leading to violence. Academic pressure and family disturbances are also leading to the same, which is leading to long-term social and economic instability. Peer pressure, stress from academics and easy availability of drugs is a trigger and adolescents are also using it as emotional escapism," the bench said.
The bench, stressing on the importance of destigmatising addiction, observed that victims of drug abuse should be treated with empathy and supported through rehabilitation.
The bench emphasised on parents playing a vital role in curbing substance abuse and insisted that they should provide an emotionally secure environment for their children. The bench said the most important yearning of adolescents is love and affection from parents. The detailed judgment in the case will be uploaded later in the day.
