'Drug Abuse Is Not Cool’: SC Raises Alarm Over Growing Drug Abuse Among Youth

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed grave concern over the rising issue of drug abuse among India's youth, pointing out that it is taking a worrisome turn to become a symbol of being "cool." Delivering a verdict that went beyond a case in hand, the court focused on the devastating social and psychological effects of substance abuse, especially on the country's young generation.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh was affirming an NIA probe into Ankush Vipan Kapoor's involvement in a drug trafficking ring that smuggled heroin from Pakistan into India through sea routes. Justice Nagarathna, in her remarks, warned of the long-term repercussions of drug abuse on society, describing it as a threat to the very future of the nation's youth.

The court asked the parents, society, and state authorities to unite to end the rampant drug abuse and sent directives to the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) to start organizing a collaborative response. The judgment underscored open discussions, rehabilitation programs, and educational measures as an approach to resolve the issue.

Focusing specifically on the role of parents, Justice Nagarathna asked them to provide an emotionally safe environment to their children, full of love and affection, so that there is no attraction towards drugs.

The judgment also condemned substance abuse glorification and appealed for greater empathy towards addicts, ensuring access to rehabilitation.

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