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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Karnataka Muslim Convention to be held in Bengaluru on May 16
Muslim organisations to release report on Congress govt’s three-year performance
Bengaluru: Major Muslim organisations and federations in Karnataka have decided to organise a large public convention titled ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16. During the convention, a comprehensive report reviewing the three-year performance of the Congress government under the theme “What did the Congress government promise? What did it do? What next?” will be released.
According to a statement issued on Friday, no politicians will be invited to the convention. The report will be submitted to the government and all MLAs after the event.
The convention is being held at a time when the Congress government is nearing the completion of three years in office on May 20. Muslim organisations have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that despite extending strong support to the Congress in bringing it to power, the community is being neglected.
The Convention is being organised at time when there are concerns over inadequate political representation for Muslims, alleged neglect of community demands, and the suspension of senior Muslim leaders who had worked for the party for decades.
The organisers said the convention aims to raise questions on what the Congress government has delivered so far and what further steps are expected from the government.
The decision to hold the convention was taken during a meeting held on May 6 at A J International Hotel in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru. Representatives of major Muslim organisations, associations, ulema bodies, federations, and members of the ad hoc committee of Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota attended the meeting.
More than 75 representatives and delegates, including senior ulemas, jamaat leaders, lawyers, retired officials, journalists and members of the KRMO ad hoc committee, participated in the discussions.
Members of the KRMO ad hoc committee’s report preparation team and experts from different sectors presented a detailed report on the Congress government’s three-year performance. The report examined promises made to Muslims on ten major issues, the extent to which they were fulfilled, pending promises, alleged discrimination in representation, and the demands now being placed before the government.
The report covered issues such as the hijab ban, reservation cancellation, hate speech and hate crimes, budget allocation, political representation, waqf matters, the anti-cow slaughter law, anti-conversion law, scholarships and educational grants.
Participants offered suggestions and recommendations on various points, and necessary corrections to the report were accepted after detailed discussions.
The meeting also reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over the manner in which the Congress government has treated the Muslim community. Participants are said to have opined that if the government and the Congress party continue in the same manner, the community should keep its political options open.
It was later decided that the report would be officially released at the large public convention on May 16 under the title “Karnataka Muslim Convention – What did the Congress government promise? What did it do? What next?”
The organisers appealed to people from all districts of the state to participate in large numbers and send a strong message to the government and the Congress party through the convention.
They also decided that all organisations, jamaats and associations should work towards ensuring participation from every district in Karnataka.
The statement reiterated that no politicians would be invited to the May 16 convention and that the report on the Congress government’s three-year performance would be submitted to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs after the event.
