On Wednesday, a division bench of the Jharkhand High Court, consisting of Justice SN Prasad and Justice AK Rai, heard a petition calling for a ban on the purchase and sale of narcotics.

During the hearing, the court stated that the government must ensure that bars and restaurants do not remain open past midnight under any circumstances. The court emphasized the need for increased monitoring and strict adherence to the rules.

The court has directed that information regarding the actions taken so far in the case be presented during the next hearing scheduled for July 9th.

During the hearing, the state government told the court that a police team has been formed, which will keep an eye on the bars and restaurants. The closing and opening times of bars and restaurants running in Ranchi city will be presented before the court.

The High Court orally emphasized that the government's affidavit concerning police action against opium, hashish, and ganja must not mislead the court.

Police officers who have been negligent in addressing the drug issue should not be subject to mere defamation. Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan will engage with officials to gather accurate information on this matter.

The court noted that the number of bars and restaurants in Ranchi city is increasing daily, with many operating without proper bar licenses while serving liquor. It emphasized the need for strict action against such establishments. Additionally, the court urged the police to conduct anti-drug campaigns as part of their social responsibility.

The court observed that numerous restaurants in Lalpur, Doranda, Birsa Chowk, and Tupudana areas of Ranchi are open late at night, where patrons consume liquor served without proper licensing.

Advocate Atanu Banerjee, representing Jhalsa, pointed out that a government advertisement published in newspapers prohibits the sale of intoxicants to individuals below 18 years of age. However, he noted concern that individuals above 18 years of age may still be involved in selling drugs. The court directed the government to address this issue accordingly.

The advocate from the Narcotics Crime Bureau mentioned that they provided information to the police via satellite mapping regarding opium cultivation at various locations, which the police subsequently demolished. It's worth noting that the High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rising trade of drugs such as opium, hashish, and ganja in Khunti.