The Bombay High Court at Aurangabad has taken suo motu cognisance of disturbing reports highlighting the widespread sale of banned substances—such as drugs, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes—to school and college students in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
The Court’s action was prompted by a Marathi daily’s investigative journalism published in the June 14 and June 16 editions of Dainik Sakal. A Division Bench comprising Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and YG Khobragade took serious note of the report, warning of the long-term consequences of inaction.
“Young students of an impressionable age are enticed into consumption of such drugs and cigarettes, virtually opening the path towards addiction and their physical destruction,” the Court observed.
Acknowledging the urgency of the issue, the Bench directed the Registrar (Judicial) to register a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Senior Advocate PR Katneshwarkar was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the Court and help in the drafting of the PIL.
The Court also urged law enforcement to respond proactively:
“The police need to rise to the occasion and act in the true spirit of the Department, to ensure that citizens are protected against such activities.”
Further, the Court placed on record its appreciation for the journalists who brought the issue to light.
“We record our appreciation for the Press Reporters of Dainik Sakal, who have taken up this issue.”
The matter will now proceed as a PIL, with the Court monitoring enforcement and preventive steps aimed at shielding minors from the growing threat of substance abuse.
Case: High Court of Judicature of Bombay at Aurangabad vs The State of Maharashtra – Available on LAWFYI.IO
