The Punjab and Haryana High Court, hearing a suo motu PIL concerning the condition of prisoners, has flagged the high prevalence of drug dependence among inmates in Punjab jails, noting that 15,768 out of 35,449 inmates nearly 50% are dependent on drugs.
The Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rajesh Gaur observed that most of the drug-dependent inmates were in the prime of their youth, describing the situation as a “serious challenge” requiring the State’s highest priority.
The observations came after the State of Punjab placed a status report before the Court pursuant to its earlier order dated August 20, 2026. The Court directed the Amicus Curiae, Tanu Bedi, to examine the report and assist the Bench on how the problem could be addressed.
On a request by Punjab’s Senior DAG, the Court impleaded the Department of Health, Government of Punjab, through its Secretary, as respondent. It also impleaded the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Chandigarh Administration, PGIMER Chandigarh and the Haryana Department of Health and Family Welfare as additional respondents.
The Court directed that its earlier directions issued to Punjab would also apply to Haryana and Chandigarh, with the respective affidavits to be filed before the next hearing. The matter has been directed to be listed in the urgent list on September 8, 2026.
