‘Drug Crimes Won’t Be Tolerated’: Kerala High Court’s 5-Judge Bench Weighs If All Drug Offenders Can Be Branded ‘Goondas’

The Kerala High Court has made it clear that drug offences will not be taken lightly as a five-judge Bench examines whether even possession of small quantities can justify branding offenders as “goondas” under KAAPA. The ruling could reshape how repeat drug offences are treated, with the Court stressing deterrence, rehabilitation, and protection of the next generation.