Expressing deep-seated concerns regarding the surge in the illegal drug trade, especially the widespread availability of tablets and syrups containing psychotropic substances, the Rajasthan High Court has taken a significant step by issuing notices to both the central and state governments. The court has directed critical questions toward unravelling the underlying reasons behind this alarming issue.
In a recent hearing presided over by Justice Farjand Ali, a single bench deferred the consideration of a bail application for an accused involved in a case related to the recovery of a substantial quantity of medicinal drugs. The matter is now scheduled for the next hearing on January 22nd.
The court, acting on its own initiative, highlighted the prevalence of cases involving significant seizures of tablets containing psychotropic substances, leading to multiple arrests. However, dissatisfaction with the current investigative process was voiced, citing its failure to trace the origin of this societal menace.
Quoting Justice Ali’s concerns, ‘The chemists, apothecaries, and medical store owners are keeping large quantities of tablets like tramadol, alprazolam, codeine phosphate syrup, etc., stored, which, on the face of it, do not seem to be proportionate to the requirement of the population of the particular city they are catering to.’
Moreover, the court expressed worry over the impact on society, especially on the younger generation. It posed fundamental questions, questioning the absence of mechanisms to control production and distribution, emphasising the need for regulation of substances similar in nature.
Justice Ali emphasised the urgency, stating, ‘The consumption of such illegal drugs and tablets and pills containing psychotropic substances or substances of like nature has become a run-of-the-mill thing nowadays and it impacts the happiness index of the society as a whole.’
To delve deeper into the issue, the court directed deputy solicitor general Mukesh Rajpurohit and additional advocate general MA Siddiqui to provide detailed responses and suggestions on behalf of the central and state governments, respectively.
Categorising potential contributors to the problem into three types, the court discussed the need for specific mechanisms to curb unaccounted-for quantities of tablets stored by drug dealers. It also explored methods such as preventing sales without prescriptions and proposed innovative solutions, including an online prescription upload system for drugstores.
The high court urged authorities to showcase their efforts in combating the illegal production, sale, and distribution of tablets and syrups containing psychotropic substances. It emphasised the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of this issue, encompassing broader societal implications alongside immediate consequences.
Vakilsearch experts assert, ‘Legal frameworks must adapt swiftly to curb drug trade, safeguarding youth and society’s well-being. Immediate government intervention needed to combat this menace’. In the wake of the Rajasthan High Court’s stern stance against the surge in illegal drug distribution, obtaining a drug license becomes even more crucial. A valid drug license is not just a legal requirement but a vital tool in monitoring and controlling the sale of pharmaceuticals. Vakilsearch experts stress the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks by securing proper drug licenses. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also plays a pivotal role in curbing the illicit drug trade, contributing to a safer and more regulated pharmaceutical market.
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