In a powerful call to action, the Supreme Court urged young people to shun drug use, framing it not as a trend to emulate but as a perilous path that threatens the future of individuals and society. The remarks came as the Court denied bail to a man linked to a network accused of smuggling 500 kilograms of heroin into India from Pakistan.
A bench led by Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh condemned the glamorization of drug culture in popular media, emphasizing the critical need for youth to resist peer pressure and avoid idealizing drug use as a symbol of camaraderie or rebellion.
“For young minds stepping into the complexities of the world, drugs are often portrayed as gateways to belonging or sophistication. This narrative must be shattered. The youth must take ownership of their choices, firmly reject peer influences, and refuse to mimic public figures who indulge in substance abuse,” the bench remarked.
The Court painted a sobering picture of how drug addiction seeps into vulnerable lives, often as an escape from emotional or academic pressures, urging society to respond with compassion. It stressed that victims of substance abuse deserve rehabilitation, not stigmatization.
Families, especially parents, were called to play a proactive role in preventing drug use among adolescents. The Court highlighted the importance of open and affectionate communication, urging parents to be vigilant and supportive as their children navigate the challenges of growing up.
Recognizing the collective responsibility in combating drug abuse, the Court advocated for grassroots action. Communities, NGOs, and law enforcement must collaborate on awareness campaigns targeting schools and youth centers. The judgment also recommended integrating drug prevention education into school curricula, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and legal risks associated with substance abuse.
Justice Nagarathna, who authored the judgment, emphasized that addressing drug addiction requires the coordinated efforts of parents, educators, legal authorities, and social institutions. “The corrosive web of the drug trade cannot be allowed to tarnish the potential of India’s youth,” the judgment concluded, calling for a united front to safeguard the nation’s future.
