Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 16: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, on August 16, 2023, upheld the detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) of Anil Sharma, a drug peddler. The Division Bench, composed of Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Mohan Lal, heard the case. The appellant was represented by Advocate Sunny Mahajan, while Deputy Advocate General Deewakar Sharma represented the Union Territory.
In their observations, the Division Bench emphasized that the case was related to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. They highlighted the severity of the drug problem, which poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, and societal well-being. The global community is grappling with the devastating consequences of drug abuse, which not only impacts individuals' lives but also destabilizes socio-economic and political stability.
The Bench noted that drug trafficking is often linked to other criminal activities like smuggling arms, ammunition, and money laundering. It can also lead to Narco-terrorism, involving terrorist groups and syndicates, which poses a threat to national security. The impact of drug trafficking on individuals and societies is significant, affecting vulnerable segments of society and leading them into criminal networks.
The Bench emphasized that the impact of the act is more crucial than the number of acts committed by an individual. In the case of drug trafficking, the repercussions are far-reaching, particularly for unemployed youth who may be tempted to engage in such activities. The appellant failed to prove any violation of statutory or constitutional provisions. The contention regarding the non-consideration of the petitioner's representation by the competent authority was addressed by the Single Judge and was deemed unnecessary to further explore.
The appeal was dismissed due to its lack of merit and substance. The judgment of the Single Judge, along with the preventive detention order of the detenue, was upheld by the Division Bench. This ruling affirms the seriousness of drug-related offenses and underscores the importance of addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse. |
