Meghalaya High Court: The Division Bench of Sanjib Banerjee, CJ. and W. Diengdoh, J. disposed of a PIL which was filed highlighting an important matter of public interest.
It was believed that there may be concerted moves by inimical interests to push drugs and psychotropic substances in the North- East, particularly in and around Shillong which attracts tourists and a lot of the younger crowd. The Court was satisfied that with the assistance of learned Amicus Curiae and the several meetings conducted with State and private officials at various levels, including the welcome participation of the defence personnel, the need to be on the guard may have been realised by the State administration.
The Court noted that steps have been taken to ensure that the drug menace does not set deep roots in the State or around the city. Both the police and the civil administration have indicated several checks and guards having been put in place and constant monitoring. Even the Army, Air Force and the paramilitary forces which are present in the State have participated in the meetings and have introduced measures to augment the civilian government’s efforts in such regard.
The Court however added one additional point for the State to set up adequate number of rehabilitation centres with appropriate facilities.[M. Kharkongor v. State of Meghalaya, 2022 SCC OnLine Megh 211, decided on 26-05-2022]
For the Petitioner: Mr S.P. Mahanta, Amicus Curiae with Mr M. Lyngdoh
For the Respondent: Mr S. Sengupta, Addl. Sr.GA with Ms S. Laloo, GA, Dr. N. Mozika, ASG with Ms K. Gurung
