06.06.2026 A State-Level Consultation Meeting on “Prevention of Drug Abuse” was held on 6 June 2026 at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, Bengaluru. The event was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Home Department, Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, Department of Health and Family Welfare, NIMHANS, Department of Medical Education, Department of Education, Karnataka State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA), voluntary organizations, and the Karnataka Judicial Academy.
The program was inaugurated by Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court and Executive Chairperson of KSLSA. The meeting was presided over by Justice Jayant Banerji, Judge of the Karnataka High Court and Chairman of the Karnataka Judicial Academy.
Delivering the keynote address by Justice Justice John Michael Cunha, former Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Chairman of the NALSA DAWN Scheme, 2025, stated that drug abuse is not merely a law-and-order issue but also a major public health and social concern. He emphasized the need for coordinated action among various departments and institutions to address the problem effectively.
He expressed concern that the age at which people begin using drugs is decreasing and that drug use is spreading rapidly among school and college students. He also noted that women and children often suffer severe consequences from addiction and therefore require special protection and rehabilitation measures.
Justice Cunha urged society to view addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing. He appealed to judicial officers, public prosecutors, and legal aid lawyers to make effective use of Section 64A of the NDPS Act, which enables treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
He further stressed the importance of continuous awareness programs in schools about the dangers of drug abuse and called for collaboration among educational institutions, health departments, enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.
In her inaugural address, Hon’ble Smt. Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Executive Chairperson, KSLSA stated that drug addiction poses a serious challenge to society, particularly to the future of young people. She emphasized that coordinated efforts across legal, health, educational, and social sectors are necessary to combat the issue. She highlighted the importance of educating students about the harmful effects of drugs, providing life-skills education, and offering counseling services.
Justice Jayant Banerji, Judge High Court of Karnataka and President, Karnataka Judicial Academy in his presidential address stated that drug addiction is not merely an individual problem but is linked to mental health issues, unemployment, social conditions, and family-related challenges. He stressed the importance of awareness, counseling, rehabilitation, and community support in addressing the problem.
Participants emphasized that awareness-building is one of the most effective tools in the fight against drugs and recommended sustained awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities. They also highlighted the need for coordination among legal services authorities, the Narcotics Control Bureau, health departments, educational institutions, prison authorities, voluntary organizations, and civil society.
The meeting called for united efforts from all institutions to promote public welfare, build a healthier society, and ensure a safe future for coming generations. Participants also stressed that parents, teachers, and officials must remain vigilant regarding the influence of digital media and social networking platforms on youth.
The event was attended by senior officials from various departments, including: Smt. V. Rashmi Mahesh, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy Shri Sachin Ghorpade, NCB Zonal Director Shri Ritwik Ranjan Pandey, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department Senior Government Officials, Judicial Officers, Medical Experts, and representatives of voluntary organizations Approximately 300 participants attended the program. During the consultation, experts discussed prevention of drug abuse, legal services, mental health, rehabilitation, reintegration into the education system, and inter-departmental coordination.
