According to the Bench, the larger issue of drug abuse in the state needs urgent and comprehensive attention.
Punjab & Haryana HC Flags ‘Existential Crisis’ as Drug Menace Deepens, Seeks Detailed Response
Due to the deepening drug menace, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought a detailed and timely response from the Punjab government on a public interest petition that warns about a threat to an existential crisis in the state. The observation came from a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry. It expressed concern over the scale and human cost of drug addiction in Punjab.
According to the Bench, the larger issue of drug abuse in the state needs urgent and comprehensive attention. The court directed the State to file a para-wise reply within three weeks and fixed the next hearing on December 10. Labh Singh, a retired boxing coach from Ludhiana, filed the petition, and he seeks strict and effective measures against the situation that he describes as a “humanitarian and moral crisis”.
The plea highlights many disturbing incidents, including reports that a five-month-old infant was allegedly sold by his drug-addict parents in Mansa for INR 1.8 lakh. During Friday’s hearing, the government informed the court that both parents have been arrested and the child has been placed under the care of Shri Anant Anaath Ashram in Bathinda. Authorities informed the court that the parents admitted that they were unable to care for the child due to addiction and wished for him to remain at the facility until they could rehabilitate.
After reviewing the report, the Bench said it was “satisfied for the time being” that the child’s welfare was being handled appropriately. However, the High Court emphasised that many major concerns raised in the petition, including community impact, gaps in law enforcement, and rehabilitation failures (petition), still require detailed examination.
The petitioner also cited statements made by former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, who revealed that his only son died due to drug addiction, underscoring the widespread and deeply personal consequences of the crisis.
According to the plea, drug addiction is destroying families, pushing individuals to pawn belongings, commit theft, and even turn violent against relatives. The petition argues that despite repeated promises and campaigns, the state has “failed” to act with consistency and seriousness, leading to an “existential crisis” for Punjab.
Source: Hindustan Times
