Sympathy Shown To Drug Peddlers In Granting Bail May Prove Counter Productive, Resulting In Increased Trafficking: Punjab & Haryana High Court

Holding thus, a Single Bench of Justice HS Madaan recently denied bail to an accused under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, found in conscious possession of contraband in the form of 2300 intoxicant tablets, without any permit or licence or medical prescription.

"The drug peddlers have successfully destroyed the social fabric of our society and led youth to the wrongful path. Such type of persons need to be dealt with firmly and sternly and no sympathy can be shown to them lest that should prove to be counter productive and result in increased drug trafficking," the Bench said.

It further observed that there has been an alarming rise in cases of drug trafficking, which has ultimately ruined the lives of young men and women. "Drug peddlers for a small monetary consideration make the youth to use drugs for a small time excitement/kick," the Bench remarked.

The Court observed, "In the present case, I do not see any reason to record satisfaction that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the petitioner is not guilty of such offence and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail."

It further observed that the apprehension expressed by the State counsel that if petitioner is granted bail, there is every likelihood to his absconding and even tampering with the prosecution evidence cannot be brushed aside lightly.