A suo moto PIL filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the condition of prisoners wherein it was earlier flagged that nearly 50% inmates are dependent on drugs. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor heard the matter.
On 08-09-2026, The Court directed for the medical protocol to be clearly outlined while indicating that this was a serious issue and that it expected the authorities to remain alive to their obligations to help such inmates in securing their right to life under the Constitution of India. The authorities were also directed to file fresh affidavits regarding rehabilitation of the drug-dependent inmates.
On 15-09-2026, the Court received affidavits and status reports from the respondents. To explore possibilities and to assist the authorities in arriving at a proper conclusion, the Court opined that the HoD, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, would be of help and requested the HoD to assist the Court by remaining physically present on the next date.
On 22-09-2026, the Court requested the HoD to assist in providing a holistic solution to tackle the issue of drug dependency in jail inmates, both during and after their incarceration. The HoD agreed to hold special consultative sessions/meetings with the authorities/officers concerned, which would be held in the HoD’s office on 25-09-2026 and 09-10-2026.
The Court directed the Director, Department of Health, U.T., ADGP, U.T., Senior Medical Officer, Jails., ADGP, Prisons, Punjab, Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Punjab, Senior Medical Officer- from nearest jail in Punjab, ADGP, Prisons, Haryana, Director Health Services, (Mental Health), Sector-6, Panchkula, and the Senior Medical Officer- from nearest jail in Haryana to be present in the said meetings.
The matter will now be listed on 13-10-2026.
