Supreme Court on Drug Menace: Directs Counsels to Draft Solutions that Could be Used As Directions And Order

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Synopsis

"We need some module or idea which can translate in from of directions and order by the Court", Court opined.

A Bench of CJI UU Lalit, Justice Bela M Trivedi, while hearing a suo motu writ, pertaining to the drug menace and the spread of drug mafias networks in the country, opined, "We need some module or idea which can translate in from of directions and order by the Court". The Court was also of the opinion that they must carry the matter further. 

The Bench asked suggestions from Additional Solicitor General of India, Aishwarya Bhati and Advocate Shoeb Alam and a mechanism appropriate for the present situation that may fit the future concerns as well.

ASG sought permission to place on record peculiar issues pertaining to a particular matter.

Advocate Shoeb Alam, while referring to his compilations of reports on the institutions, institutional mechanisms and infrastructure available, says that the cause is massive. Further cites 'dark web' and the increase in deliveries during COVID (through postal couriers), And refers to a NCB report that said the nature of drugs are changing.

Court thus on the basis of the filed documents noted through assistance of the Amicus Curiae, noted that the departments are working in the direction of devising a mechanism to take care is such situations in future.

Further granted 3 weeks time to put in appropriate responses and further directed for reasonable suggestions to be drafter through a joint sitting.

Court will now hear the matter after 5 weeks. 

Earlier, a Bench of CJI, UU Lalit, Justices Ravindra Bhat and J.B. Pardiwala, Supreme Court heard the matter, where it converted the office note which was before the then CJI, NV Ramana (17-11-2021), in a suo motu writ petition.

The Court was of the opinion, "...considering the gravity of the situation and material requested, we requested Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam, to assist the Court as an Amicus Curiae, which he graciously accepted". It further directed Sr. Adv. Alam to take the copy of the paper book and all the other documents required, and to place whatever material-on-record has to be provided. 

The Bench further had issued notices to ASG or SG of the Court to assist (on the government side). And to Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati to assist

Case Title: In Re The Menace of Drug Mafia Network Operating in the Country