Punjab Jail Drug Dependence: A Legal and Social Challenge
In a revealing disclosure, the State government informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that over 44% of inmates in Punjab’s prisons are grappling with drug dependency. This statistic was presented during a court hearing on Tuesday, in a case titled Court On Its Own Motion v State of Punjab and Others. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rajesh Gaur, examined the status report submitted by the State, highlighting a pressing issue that demands urgent attention.
According to the data, out of 35,449 inmates across Punjab, 15,768 are identified as drug-dependent. The report also detailed specific figures from individual jails, revealing that in Amritsar, 2,124 out of 4,918 inmates are drug-dependent, while in Bathinda, the number stands at 1,064 out of 1,978. The court underscored the alarming rate of young individuals affected by drug dependency, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive policy to address this crisis.
Urgent Need for Policy Intervention
Justice Mishra voiced serious concerns, stating, “There cannot be anything more serious than this. What kind of a policy do we have to bring these inmates out of drug dependence?” This remark reflects the court’s recognition of the severity of the issue, urging the State to prioritize the development of effective intervention strategies.
The court also noted the potential health risks faced by inmates if deprived of their drug doses, as highlighted by Justice Mishra. He suggested the necessity for a well-thought-out plan to manage these health concerns while tackling the root of drug dependency.
Suo Motu Case and Ongoing Proceedings
This case was initiated suo motu by the High Court in July, following a report from the administrative judge of the Mansa Sessions Division. The report illuminated the widespread administration of Buprenorphine combined with Naloxone to many inmates, with dosages adjusted according to individual treatment needs.
Notably, the report revealed that 530 out of 767 inmates are registered with the Out-Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Clinic within the jail. This represents a significant 69% of the inmate population receiving treatment, underscoring the high prevalence of drug addiction.
Future Steps and Collaborative Efforts
On August 20, the court requested the State to provide comprehensive details regarding inmates and their registration with the OOAT Clinic. Advocate Tanu Bedi was appointed as an amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings.
During the latest hearing, the bench emphasized that drug-dependent inmates should not remain in a state of helplessness indefinitely. The matter will be reviewed weekly, with the next hearing scheduled for September 8. The court has also requested similar information from the State of Haryana and Chandigarh Administration and has sought assistance from the Union government.
Advocate Abhinav Sood, representing Union Territory Chandigarh, was instructed to liaise with health authorities, including the Director of PGIMER, to garner support in addressing this critical issue.
