Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 27: The High Court today directed for personal appearance of Secretary Ministry of Social Justice, and Women Empowerment (SJWE) Govt of India and Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education with regard to action plan in the establishment of drug de-addition centres.
During the arguments, Senior Counsel Jehangir Ganai, who is amicus in the PIL pointed out to the Court about the affidavit filed by Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education in which he has said that about 2 lakh people are being given professional treatment at the Centers.
Court has given directions to Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education to file a report indicating therein as to what kind of treatment is provided to the patients.
He has also submitted before the court that Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has started awareness campaign with regard to drug addiction and its demerits in Srinagar and Baramulla. Court, in this regard directed the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for filing a report as to what steps have been taken with regard to awareness camp in other districts in J&K and Ladakh.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sindhu Sharma sought the personal appearance of these two officials before the court on next date of hearing for providing information about the funds released for the establishment of drug de-addiction centres in UT of J&K and Ladakh.
As the issue is dealt by Ministry of Social Justice and Women Empowerment Govt of India, Court sought appearance of the Secretary of the Department.
It was earlier directed to Central Government counsel to inform the concerned Secretary to ensure that the matter is considered in right earnest and report compliance before the court.
It is mentioned that court had earlier imposed penalty on Central Government for deviating its orders with regard to releasing of funds to J&K Govt for the establishment of Drug De addiction centres.
As counsel for petitioners Advocate Ganaie informed the Court that the Principal Secretary has filed an affidavit submitting therein that required professional treatment is given to about 2 lakh people but no details have been provided in the affidavit as to what kind of treatment and where the treatment is given to the patients.
In this connection, the DB directed the Principal Secretary H&ME to submit an affidavit indicating therein the details of treatment and the details of centres where the treatment is given to the patients who are suffering with drug addiction.
Court during the proceedings observed that despite repeated directions from time to time, orders of the court have not been complied with neither by the Central Govt nor by the J&K Govt as the matter is of urgent in nature.
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