Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today closed the long-pending suo motu proceedings on the drug menace after the Government placed before it a detailed account of a Union Territory-wide crackdown against narcotics, saying the authorities have launched concrete and comprehensive measures across all districts to curb the growing menace.
The case, registered in 2013 as a public interest matter taken up by the court on its own motion, had remained under consideration for more than a decade. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal noted that several orders had been passed from time to time in the matter to ensure effective steps against drug abuse and trafficking in the region.
During the hearing, Senior AAG Monika Kohli referred to the affidavit dated December 2, 2025, filed by the Home Department in compliance with the court’s order dated November 11, 2025, and submitted that the Jammu and Kashmir Police are actively working across all districts of the UT to check the illegal manufacturing, trafficking, sale and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The Government further told the court that the anti-drug strategy is not limited to enforcement alone, but also includes preventive measures, inter-agency coordination, public awareness and rehabilitation, aimed at protecting lives and creating a healthier and more resilient society.
Taking note of the “multiple and comprehensive measures” spelled out in the affidavit, counsel appearing in the matter submitted that the purpose of the PIL had, for the present, been achieved and the petition could be disposed of. Accepting the submission, the Bench closed the proceedings, but granted liberty for revival of the case in the event of any fresh cause of action or inaction on the part of the authorities.
Before the matter was finally closed, Senior Advocate Deepika Mahajan submitted that, in terms of the earlier order, she had suggested certain additional measures to lend further strength to the anti-drug campaign. On this, Senior AAG Monika Kohli assured the court that the suggestions would be taken note of and shared with the implementing agency.
With this, the High Court brought the curtains down on one of its oldest public interest interventions on the narcotics crisis, while making it clear that the matter can be reopened if the official response weakens or circumstances so demand.
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