Himachal Pradesh High Court Demands Five-Year Review of NDPS Cases
Court Orders Detailed Report on NDPS Cases
Also seeks status of NDPS cases, rehab policies and illegal cultivation monitoring
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has instructed the state government to provide a comprehensive record of cases filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act over the last five years. A division bench led by Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma issued this directive while addressing public interest litigations (PILs) concerning unlawful opium cultivation in the region. The court's objective is to determine whether drug usage in Himachal Pradesh is increasing or decreasing.
Alongside the case statistics, the bench inquired about the status of a draft policy on drug rehabilitation, questioning whether it has been finalized or is still under consideration. The court also mandated the government to submit an affidavit detailing the drug rehabilitation facilities available at the district level.
The report should encompass information regarding the number of medical professionals, support staff, and available beds in these centers, with a submission deadline set for May 27, coinciding with the next hearing.
Local Bodies Tasked with Monitoring Illegal Cultivation
Local bodies given responsibility to monitor illegal cultivation
In light of the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, the high court underscored the importance of local bodies' accountability. Recommendations from the amicus curiae suggested the involvement of revenue and forest department personnel, along with local panchayats, in overseeing illegal cannabis and opium cultivation.
The court directed that panchayats should take the lead in reporting such activities and proposed that individuals or villages found in violation of these regulations should be disqualified from receiving government benefits.
Additionally, the bench advocated for an incentive-based system to reward government officials and panchayats that actively contribute to combating illegal farming.
Emphasis on Technology and Coordination
Need for tech-driven measures, inter-state coordination
According to a status report from the Director General of Police dated July 26, 2024, a total of 878 NDPS-related cases were recorded by June 2024, leading to 1,212 arrests.
Furthermore, 77 cases were initiated against individuals involved in illegal opium cultivation, with one case against illegal cannabis growers. As of June 30, 2024, 27.05 bighas of wild cannabis had been eradicated. The high court was also informed about the establishment of an inter-state coordination office in Panchkula, Haryana, aimed at preventing drug trafficking, with Himachal Pradesh police personnel stationed there for improved collaboration with neighboring states.
As part of its anti-drug initiative, the government introduced a mobile application named ‘Drug-Free Himachal’, enabling citizens to report drug dealers and traffickers anonymously. By June 2024, the app had received 172 actionable tips, while state CID and intelligence units collected 147 inputs through other channels.
Specialized training for drug law enforcement officers is currently underway at the police training college in Daroh, Kangra district.