Use of drugs not 'cool', resist peer pressure: Supreme Court to youngsters
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday urged youngsters to avoid illicit drugs, cautioning against the growing trend of viewing drug use as a fashionable or ‘cool’ lifestyle. The Court also emphasised the need for collective efforts to combat drug abuse and rehabilitate victims.
A Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh made these observations while denying bail to a man accused of links to a crime syndicate responsible for smuggling 500 kilograms of heroin into India from Pakistan.
The Court expressed concern over the influence of popular culture in glorifying drug use, particularly among the youth.
"For youngsters just beginning to explore the world, the consumption of drugs in popular culture has propelled the cultural push towards a dangerous lifestyle, one that incorrigibly applauds drug use as ‘cool’ and a fashionable display of camaraderie. We implore the youth to firmly resist peer pressure and desist from emulating certain personalities who may indulge in drugs," the Bench observed.
Justice Nagarathna, who authored the judgment, stressed that drug abuse is often rooted in emotional distress, academic pressure, and societal influences. However, she stresses on the point that victims of substance abuse must not be demonised but rehabilitated.
"The unfortunate reality is that victims of substance abuse are not limited to the unfortunate ones who have fallen prey to it but also include their family and peers. Our approach must focus on rehabilitation, not demonisation," the Court noted.
Highlighting the role of parents, Justice Nagarathna said that affectionate and regular communication with children can act as a deterrent to substance abuse. Schools and colleges were also urged to include drug prevention strategies in their curricula.
"Educational institutions must focus on the physical, emotional, and legal consequences of drug abuse through scientifically backed and experiential learning methods," the Court stated.
The Bench further called on local communities, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in awareness campaigns, particularly in vulnerable areas. It also urged the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and State Legal Authorities to actively devise and implement such programmes.
In closing, Justice Nagarathna highlighted the need for a concerted effort from parents, schools, law enforcement, and society to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse.
"The arc and web of drug trade cannot be permitted to corrode the shine of the youth of India," the judgment concluded.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
