The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made a strong statement, calling drug recovery cases not just ordinary crimes, but serious matters of national importance that need careful and strict handling by the judiciary.
Justice Anil Kshetarpal made these remarks while rejecting the pre-arrest bail plea of an accused in a drug case registered on February 26 at the Passiana police station in Patiala. The accused’s lawyer argued that his client was being targeted based on a co-accused’s statement, which he claimed was unreliable. But the state government pointed out that the accused was already involved in four other cases under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
After reviewing the case, Justice Kshetarpal said, “Drug trafficking is a serious menace and must be tackled through strict measures. These cases are of national importance and must be decided with caution. The accused is needed in custody to help uncover details of the drug supply chain.”
The court refused to grant pre-arrest bail, saying that only a tough judicial stance can address the grave impact of drug trafficking on society.
This judgment comes as part of a series of strong steps by the High Court to fight the growing drug crisis in the region. In a previous order, the court had directed the CBI to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from the Narcotics Control Bureau and state police forces. It also asked the Directors-General of Police (DGPs) of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to fully support the central agencies.
Raising a red flag, the court stressed that drug smuggling is not just a law enforcement issue — it is a deep-rooted social and economic problem that is destroying the lives of the youth and damaging the nation’s future.
The message from the court is loud and clear: drug crimes must be treated with urgency, seriousness, and zero tolerance.
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