Set Up Adequate Number Of Drug Rehabilitation Centres In State: Meghalaya High Court To State Govt

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to set up an adequate number of drug rehabilitation centres in the state with appropriate facilities so that parents, with a child who is afflicted with drug addiction, don't have to look beyond the State for appropriate rehabilitation centres.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh issued this order while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea filed by one M. Kharkongor over the need to tackle the drug menace in the state.

The Court, in its order, noted that steps have been taken by the concerned authorities to ensure that the drug menace does not set deep roots in the State or around the city. In this regard, both, the police and the civil administration indicated before the Court that several checks and guards had been put in place.

"From the various affidavits and reports filed, it is evident that the State is alive to the problem and that appropriate measures have been or are being put in place to deal with the problem. Even the Army, Air Force and the paramilitary forces which are present in the State have participated in the meetings and have introduced measures to augment the civilian government's efforts in such regard," the Court further observed as it said that instant petition may have served its purpose for the moment.

However, the Court did add that it would be open to any public-spirited individual to bring the matter to the notice of the Court afresh, if the desired measures are not in place or there is any dropping of the guard by the administration.

In view of this, the Court disposed of and closed the plea with a word of appreciation for learned Amicus Curiae and Advocates representing the State for going beyond the call of duty to address an issue of great importance.

While dealing with this very plea, the High Court had earlier put up a significant suggestion that 'flying army checker' teams could be deployed for surprise checks on Army vehicles so as to ensure that drugs are not transported in or through army trucks.

Earlier, the Meghalaya High Court had asked the State Government to make serious attempts to control the entry of drugs and to keep a vigil over the spread thereof. However, the Court did add that it is not equipped to advise the State on how to go about the matter.

Case title - M. Kharkongor v. State of Meghalaya [PIL No. 13 of 2018]

Citation : 2022 LiveLaw (Meg) 17

Click Here to read/download order