SC raises alarm over rising drug abuse among youth

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday termed drug abuse a generational threat that could "corrode the shine of the nation's youth" and expressed concern over substance abuse being seen as a "cool" lifestyle marker.

- Utkarsh Anand

"The debilitating impact of drug trade and drug abuse is an immediate and serious concern for India...The arc and web of drug trade cannot be permitted to corrode the shine of the youth of India," stated justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, calling for immediate action from stakeholders including parents, society and state authorities.

The verdict, which came while affirming a National Investigation Agency probe against Ankush Vipan Kapoor in a Pakistan-linked heroin smuggling case, also expanded NIA's investigative scope. Authored by justice Nagarathna, the judgment highlighted how drug abuse impacts individuals and society, noting that India faces an unprecedented crisis transcending social, economic and geographical barriers. The court said profits from trafficking often fund terrorism and violence, destabilising society and threatening national security.