December 16, 2024: The Supreme Court of India on Monday raised serious concerns over the rising tide of drug abuse among the nation’s youth, condemning the disturbing trend where substance abuse has become a symbol of being “cool.”

While delivering its verdict on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe against Ankush Vipan Kapoor, accused of smuggling heroin from Pakistan into India via sea routes, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh expressed alarm over the growing impact of drugs on young people across the country.

Justice Nagarathna, delivering the key part of the judgment, warned that drug abuse was not only a threat to individual well-being but also a “severe socio-economic and psychological hazard” that could erode the future of the nation. “Drug abuse is corroding the shine of our youth,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to combat the menace.

In light of the rising drug trafficking networks, which often fund violence and terrorism, the court called for urgent and coordinated action from a wide range of stakeholders—including parents, educators, law enforcement, and government bodies. The court directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to take the lead in creating a unified response to the crisis.

The justices noted with “earnest disquiet” the alarming spread of drug use in India, which now cuts across all ages, communities, and religious groups. Justice Nagarathna pointed out that the escalation of substance abuse could have catastrophic consequences for society, destabilizing communities and fostering criminal activity.

Highlighting the factors contributing to this surge in drug use among youth, the court identified peer pressure, academic stress, and harmful cultural influences as key drivers. These pressures, the judges noted, have led many young people to seek an “escape” in drugs, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards dangerous lifestyles.

In response, the court urged young Indians to take responsibility for their own choices and decisions, stressing the importance of developing resilience and strength to overcome challenges. Justice Nagarathna urged the younger generation to reject substance abuse as a solution, emphasizing that escapism through drugs was not the answer to their struggles.

One of the most significant parts of the judgment focused on the role of parents in preventing drug abuse. The court urged parents to foster a loving and supportive environment at home, acknowledging that adolescents’ most fundamental need is affection and emotional security. “Parents must be the anchors of their children’s lives,” Justice Nagarathna noted, adding that compassion and emotional nurturing could be key to preventing the temptation of drugs.

The full judgment, which will be released later today, is expected to include detailed guidelines on how to address drug abuse at multiple levels, from education to law enforcement, and to create a holistic framework for the nation’s youth to combat this growing crisis.