Meghalaya High Court Suggests Army To Conduct Surprise Checks On Its Vehicles To Prevent Possible Durg Trafficking

The Meghalaya High Court has 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.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh came up with this suggestion while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea filed by one M. Kharkongor over the drug menace in the state.

Pursuant to the previous order, the Amicus Curiae tabled before the Court the details of certain places where the drug menace is prevalent. Taking note of the same, the Court observed that these areas cover several localities in Shillong and its neighborhoods.

Further, the Amicus informed the Court about an incident wherein one Army Major from Imphal had been implicated in facilitating the transit of drugs. Amicus also mentioned that some inmates of a correctional home had told that for the safe passage of the drugs, high-ranking defence personnel may have been roped in, the Court at the outset, observed thus:

"Unbelievable though such allegation is, it has to be noticed nonetheless that according to the relevant inmate drugs are sometimes transported in army trucks, which are generally immune from checking."

Further, the Court directed that a copy of the order be reached to the General-OfficerCommanding, 101 Area, and also to the Director-General, Assam Rifles to verify the position and take immediate remedial action.

"If what is reported is true, there must also be intelligence reports received by the State in such regard and the Chief Secretary should coordinate with, inter alia, the Army and Assam Rifles, both to make the highest officials aware of the problem and for immediate action being taken. It may also do well for teams of flying army checkers to be deployed along the route to make surprise checks on Army vehicles which are otherwise not subjected to checks by civilian personnel," the Court further added.

Lastly, listing the matter for further hearing on April 28, 2022, the Bench stressed that the other area that needs to be looked into is for therapy centres to be set up within the State.

"The other area that needs to be looked into is for therapy centres to be set up within the State as many families affected have to look beyond the State where wards are sent in the absence of adequate facilities being available in Meghalaya, despite the urgent need therefor. There may also be a need for de-addiction centres, particularly to house young female offenders," the Court remarked.

Case title - M. Kharkongor v. State of Meghalaya

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