The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over Punjab’s growing drug crisis, observing that narcotics abuse has devastated families and requires structural reforms, while noting a mother reportedly lost all five sons to addiction and emphasizing the urgent need to sensitise police authorities.
The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the growing drug menace in Punjab, warning that narcotics abuse has devastated countless families and is emerging as a major social and institutional crisis in the Punjab State. The Court observed that the issue has reached a stage where structural reforms, stronger institutional mechanisms and coordinated intervention may now be necessary.
A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observations while dealing with matters concerning criminal justice administration and the functioning of courts handling cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
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During the hearing, the Bench referred to a heartbreaking incident involving a mother who reportedly lost all five of her sons to drug addiction. The Court used the example to underline the scale of human suffering caused by substance abuse in Punjab.
CJI Kant observed,
“See what we read. A mother is crying. She lost her fifth son to drugs. She lost all her children to drug addiction… Police need to be sensitised,”
The Bench noted that the crisis has particularly intensified in districts such as Ludhiana, where drug abuse and trafficking have become recurring concerns over the years. The Court indicated that the situation is no longer confined to isolated criminal activity but has evolved into a broader societal challenge affecting public health, law enforcement and the justice delivery system.
The Supreme Court also remarked that assistance from the Union government may become necessary to effectively tackle the problem. At the same time, the Bench cautioned against viewing such intervention through political considerations.
CJI Kant said,
“Perhaps Central government intervention may be needed. But when they do intervene, do not think as if the Centre is interfering. The common goal should be to curb the drug menace,”
The Court further connected the worsening narcotics crisis with the increasing burden on courts dealing with offences under the NDPS Act. It noted that the rising number of drug-related prosecutions has resulted in mounting backlogs and delays, placing enormous pressure on the criminal justice system.
The Chief Justice stated,
“The increase in cases is so alarming that the situation needs revisiting. I will ensure all High Courts are provided help to create NDPS courts,”
The Bench emphasised that specialised courts and institutional support mechanisms would be necessary to ensure speedy trials and effective adjudication in narcotics-related cases. The Court also suggested that judicial infrastructure and manpower need urgent strengthening to cope with the expanding caseload.
Significantly, the Supreme Court criticised the pattern of enforcement that often targets smaller offenders while major traffickers and organised networks continue to operate without substantial consequences.
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The Bench observed that policing priorities must shift toward dismantling larger drug syndicates and influential operators behind the trade.
CJI Kant remarked,
“The bigger sharks or influential ones should be arrested. The issue is, you get hold of a small person and police gets publicity in newspapers,”
The observations come amid continued public concern over the spread of synthetic drugs and narcotics in Punjab, a State that has long struggled with cross-border trafficking, addiction among youth and allegations of inadequate enforcement against organised drug networks.
Over the years, several courts, investigative agencies and policy bodies have highlighted the serious social consequences of the drug trade in Punjab, including rising crime, unemployment, family breakdown and public health concerns.
The Supreme Court’s latest remarks signal growing judicial concern that the issue requires not only criminal prosecution but also coordinated policy intervention, rehabilitation efforts and systemic reforms in law enforcement.
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