June 22, 2025 | Aurangabad, In a proactive step to address rising concerns over substance abuse among youth, the Bombay High Court (Aurangabad Bench) has initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to disturbing media reports on the sale of banned drugs, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes to school and college students in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
The Division Bench of Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and YG Khobragade took cognisance of investigative reports published in the June 14 and June 16 editions of Dainik Sakal, a regional Marathi daily, which exposed the alarming ease with which minors were being sold addictive substances in and around educational institutions.
Court’s Observations
Expressing grave concern over the exposure of young students to harmful substances, the Bench observed:
“Young students of an impressionable age are enticed into consumption of such drugs and cigarettes, virtually opening the path towards addiction and their physical destruction.”
The Court further warned that if such practices are not immediately curtailed, they could pose a serious threat to the health, safety, and future of the younger generation.
Judicial Action
- The Registrar (Judicial) has been directed to register the matter as a suo motu PIL.
- The Court has appointed Senior Advocate PR Katneshwarkar as amicus curiae to assist in drafting the PIL and guiding further proceedings.
- Law enforcement agencies have been strongly urged to take active and timely steps. The Bench remarked:
“We urge the police machinery to rise to the occasion in the true spirit of the Department, ensuring that citizens are protected against such activities.”
Recognition of Investigative Journalism
The Court also acknowledged the critical role played by the media in exposing the issue:
“We record our appreciation for the Press Reporters of Dainik Sakal, who have taken up this issue.”
State Representation
Advocate AB Girase appeared on behalf of the State of Maharashtra.
Significance
This suo motu PIL represents a crucial judicial intervention aimed at safeguarding public health and student welfare, especially amid increasing concerns about the rising prevalence of drug use among adolescents. It also reflects the Court’s commitment to responding to investigative journalism that highlights threats to vulnerable sections of society.
