Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, inaugurated a 30-day special awareness campaign on drug abuse organised by the Goa State Legal Services Authority, underscoring that substance abuse is a societal challenge requiring vigilance, empathy, and coordinated institutional action rather than isolated punitive responses.

Addressing students, educators, parents, public officials, and members of the legal fraternity, Justice Surya Kant observed that drug abuse is no longer confined to statistics or court records but is increasingly present in neighbourhoods, classrooms, and homes. He cautioned that while Goa’s historic openness and cultural vibrancy have enriched the State, such openness must be accompanied by awareness and vigilance to guard against emerging social threats.

Emphasising the impact of addiction on youth, the Chief Justice noted that substance abuse often begins with curiosity or peer influence but gradually results in dependence, exacting a heavy cost on families, education, livelihoods, and social institutions. Referring to the observance of Veer Bal Diwas, Justice Surya Kant called upon young people to wage a “decisive war against drugs,” describing it as a modern struggle to protect the nation’s future.

Justice Surya Kant highlighted the need for a balanced legal response, distinguishing between traffickers and first-time or dependent users. While stressing that those who profit from narcotics must face firm legal consequences, he underscored that the criminal justice system must adopt a reformatory and rehabilitative approach when dealing with vulnerable users, particularly students and young adults.

“The law must not merely close cases but preserve futures,” he said, adding that addiction cannot be eliminated through legislation alone and requires a calibrated mix of deterrence, treatment, and social reintegration.

Commending the role of Legal Services Authorities, Justice Surya Kant noted their expanding mandate beyond legal aid to social justice facilitation through awareness initiatives, para-legal volunteers, and coordination with health and counselling services. He praised Goa’s emphasis on convergence among families, schools, health professionals, community institutions, and legal services as a model for preventive and compassionate intervention.

Concluding his address, the Chief Justice remarked that the success of the campaign would be measured not by events or pledges, but by lives redirected and futures reclaimed.