The Supreme Court of India expressed serious concern over the rising drug abuse among the nation’s youth, stressing that substance use has unfortunately become a symbol of being “cool.”
In a ruling delivered on Monday, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh affirmed the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe into Ankush Vipan Kapoor, who is accused of being involved in a drug trafficking network smuggling heroin from Pakistan via sea routes. The full text of the verdict is expected later in the day.
Justice Nagarathna highlighted the devastating socio-economic and psychological effects of drug abuse, which she warned could “corrode the shine of the nation’s youth.” She emphasized the need for collective action from parents, society, and state authorities to curb the growing drug menace. The court issued guidelines to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to coordinate efforts to address the issue.
The bench expressed alarm over the widespread drug proliferation across India, cutting across age, community, and religion. Justice Nagarathna linked the rise in drug use among young people to factors such as peer pressure, academic stress, and cultural influences that promote harmful lifestyles. The court also warned that the drug trade funds violence and terrorism, further destabilizing society.
The bench urged the younger generation to reject escapism, instead taking charge of their decisions. It stressed the role of parents in providing a nurturing and emotionally secure environment, which could counter the allure of substance abuse. Justice Nagarathna noted that affection from parents is vital to helping adolescents avoid the temptation of drugs.
The court also called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging that addiction should be destigmatized and treated with empathy. It recommended better rehabilitation support for those struggling with addiction and called for initiatives such as educational campaigns, counseling, and community-based efforts to combat drug abuse.
The ruling, which extended beyond Kapoor’s case, is a strong reminder of the urgent need for society to come together to tackle the drug crisis and safeguard the future of India’s youth.
