The Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized that addressing drug-related crimes is an essential aspect of social justice within the criminal justice system. Despite purportedly strong efforts to combat the issue, the court has underscored the severity of covert smuggling of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances, leading to widespread addiction among a significant portion of the population.

The court further mentioned that individuals involved in drug trafficking inflict harm on numerous innocent young victims, contrasting it with a murder case where harm is limited to one or two individuals.

During the proceedings, the bench was hearing a petition seeking anticipatory bail for a female accused. The case in question pertains to a substantial amount of contraband, falling under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Expressing deep concern, the Bench asserted: “It has to be borne in mind that in a murder case, the accused commits murder of one or two persons, while those persons, who are dealing in a narcotic drugs, are instrumental in causing death or inflicting death blow to a number of innocent young victims, who are vulnerable”.

Justice Moudgil emphasized that individuals involved in drug trafficking pose a significant threat to society, even if released temporarily. The judge expressed concern that there is a high likelihood of them persisting in their illicit activities of trafficking and dealing in intoxicants covertly, driven by the allure of substantial gains through illegal profit-making.

Justice Moudgil further highlighted that drug addiction is causing harmful effects and a deadly impact on society. In the current situation, drug trafficking, trading, and usage have reached epidemic proportions, influencing not only the state's economic policies and corrupting the system but also contributing to the creation of an unhealthy and afflicted society.

“I will not be shy of saying that anti-drug justice is a criminal dimension of social justice as drug addiction forms vitals of the society along with illicit money generation by drug trafficking,” Justice Moudgil added.

In reference to the specifics of the case at hand, Justice Moudgil asserted that the petitioner's conduct did not align with that of a law-abiding citizen, as evidenced by the records presented before the high court. The absence of material evidence supporting the petitioner's innocence led to the conclusion that the question of granting bail to the petitioner did not arise.