Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Tashi Rabstan, emphasized the need for a collaborated and integrated approach to combat the rising drug menace in J&K and Ladakh.
🎤 He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Drug Use; Addiction, Effects and Solutions: A Cue for Capacity Building Under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”, organized by the J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu in collaboration with the Criminologists Society of J&K at Lawyers Chambers, Jammu.
⚖️ Legal Fraternity: The Backbone of Society
Presided over by Justice Sanjeev Kumar, the seminar witnessed the presence of Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu Yash Pal Bourney, Registrar Judicial Sandeep Kour, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice M.K. Sharma, and a large gathering of Judicial Officers, Prosecution Officers, and Advocates.
💬 “Lawyers are the backbone of society. Their contribution is crucial in fighting the drug menace. The new criminal laws will also play a key role in creating deterrence,” said Chief Justice Rabstan.
🎭 Innovative Approaches to Awareness
Sharing his past experience, Justice Rabstan highlighted his efforts as the Chairperson of SALSA, where he educated students through nukkad nataks, skits, dramas, and interactive sessions with legal experts.
👏 He also congratulated Advocate Rameshwar Jamwal, Balbir Singh Manhas, and their team for taking up such a noble cause.
🧠 Criminal Behavior & Rehabilitation
🚨 Rameshwar Singh Jamwal, President of the Criminologists Society, delivered a detailed keynote address through a PowerPoint presentation. He explained:
✅ How criminal behavior develops
✅ The genetic and epigenetic impact of drug addiction on children
✅ The success of yogic and meditational techniques piloted in District Jail Jammu, which showed 75% positive results
He sought the support of the Judiciary and Government to expand these techniques at the grassroots level.
⚖️ Stricter Laws & Civil Society’s Role
Justice Sanjeev Kumar stressed that the drug problem involves both victims and perpetrators:
🛑 Victims – Need counseling & rehabilitation
⚠️ Drug Peddlers & Growers – Should face deterrent punishment
💡 He praised NGOs and the Criminologists Society for their efforts and urged civil society to fight drug abuse tooth and nail.
📌 Key Takeaways from the Seminar:
✔ Lawyers and Judiciary must actively combat drug abuse
✔ Awareness through creative methods like street plays & counseling
✔ Stronger legal framework to dismantle drug networks
✔ Support for rehabilitation programs using meditation & therapy
This powerful discussion emphasized collective action in eradicating drug addiction and creating a safer society for future generations.
