STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking initiation of a special drive by J&K police in entire Union Territory for checking the growing menace of drugs amongst youth and low conviction in NDPS cases, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Sanjay Dhar granted three weeks time to AAG for filling compliance report in pursuance of an order dated October 10, 2021.
It is worthwhile to mention here that on October 10, 2021, the Division Bench directed to file fresh status report with regard to disposal of seized contraband in NDPS cases from 2016 to till date along with fresh status report with regard to functioning of Forensic Science Laboratory in the UT of J&K.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, Division Bench observed that from time to time, different status reports have been filed by the respondents and latest being an affidavit dated June 16, 2021 filed by the Union Territory of J&K by the Special Director General of Police, Crime Branch J&K pursuant to the direction of this Court dated April 22, 2021. A perusal of affidavit revealed that by the each passing year, there is increase in registration of FIRs in NDPS cases consequently leading to increase in seizure of contraband. In the affidavit, details have also been mentioned with regard to the Poppy/Bhang crops having been destroyed from the year 2016 till 2021. Further, UT Government of J&K has constituted a separate wing i.e. Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) in the Union Territory of J&K. Besides, various steps those have been taken by the Government for creating awareness about the drug menace, has also been mentioned.
In view of status report filed, it cannot be said that the respondents are not taking any steps for controlling/curbing the drug menace prevalent in the society.
Deepika Mahajan submitted that despite various efforts having been undertaken by the Government, drug menace is yet on the rise and there are certain hubs those are known for promoting the drug culture. She further submits that no report has been furnished by the respondents with regard to the disposal of the seized contraband.
DB observed that it needs to be noted that continuous efforts are required to be made to check the menace of drugs and for that purpose role of the Police is very important and directed the respondents shall resort to the provisions contained in Section 52-A of NDPS Act with regard to the disposal of the seized contraband.
DB further directed AAG shall file fresh status report with regard to the disposal of seized contraband in NDPS cases from year 2016 to till date and further he shall also file fresh status report with regard to functioning of Forensic Science Laboratory in the UT of J&K, well before the next date of hearing.