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Health
Punjab High Court Raises Alarm as 44% of Prisoners Found Drug-Dependent
✍️ news18.com
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 03:37 AM
👁 28
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has highlighted that nearly half of the state's prison population is dependent on drugs, urging immediate remedial action.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed serious concern after a recent survey revealed that 44% of inmates in Punjab prisons are dependent on narcotics. The court described the finding as a "grave health crisis" that threatens both inmate welfare and prison security.
According to the report submitted to the bench, the high prevalence of drug dependence is linked to inadequate rehabilitation facilities and the easy availability of contraband within correctional facilities. The judges have directed prison authorities to submit a comprehensive action plan within a month, covering de‑addiction programs, regular medical screening, and stricter control of illicit substances.
The court also urged the state government to allocate additional resources for counseling, vocational training, and post‑release support, aiming to curb recidivism linked to substance abuse. Prison officials are expected to cooperate fully with health agencies to implement the recommended measures.
If the directives are not acted upon promptly, the High Court warned that it could intervene further, including appointing an oversight committee to monitor compliance. The ruling underscores the growing intersection of health and criminal justice challenges in Indian prisons.
According to the report submitted to the bench, the high prevalence of drug dependence is linked to inadequate rehabilitation facilities and the easy availability of contraband within correctional facilities. The judges have directed prison authorities to submit a comprehensive action plan within a month, covering de‑addiction programs, regular medical screening, and stricter control of illicit substances.
The court also urged the state government to allocate additional resources for counseling, vocational training, and post‑release support, aiming to curb recidivism linked to substance abuse. Prison officials are expected to cooperate fully with health agencies to implement the recommended measures.
If the directives are not acted upon promptly, the High Court warned that it could intervene further, including appointing an oversight committee to monitor compliance. The ruling underscores the growing intersection of health and criminal justice challenges in Indian prisons.