Meghalaya High Court Directs Urgent Action on Drug Rehabilitation and Trafficking Prevention

Court Orders Establishment of More Rehabilitation Centers and Seeks Reports from BSF and Customs on Indo-Bangladesh Border Drug Trafficking

In a significant ruling, the Meghalaya High Court has mandated the state to expedite efforts in tackling the drug menace, highlighting the urgent need for more rehabilitation centers, especially in rural areas. The judgment, delivered on December 10, 2025, underscores the state's obligation to combat drug abuse and rehabilitate addicts effectively.

The court, while reviewing affidavits from the Joint Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and the Home Police Department, noted a critical shortage of rehabilitation facilities in rural regions. To address this, the state has entered into a partnership with the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM). A new rehabilitation center has already been inaugurated in Laitkor, with plans for extensive community outreach in West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills, targeting over 2000 beneficiaries.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, directed the state to immediately identify areas for establishing more rehabilitation centers to prevent further escalation of the drug crisis. The court emphasized the importance of mass awareness and preventive measures, urging collaboration between NGOs, district social welfare officers, and other stakeholders to engage the public in anti-drug campaigns.

Additionally, the court ordered the formation of a Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, to oversee the implementation of these measures. The committee will include a psychologist, a qualified counselor, and senior advocate Mr. S.P. Mahanta among others, to ensure comprehensive action against drug and substance abuse.

In a related directive, the court addressed the issue of illicit drug trafficking along the Indo-Bangladesh border. It instructed the Border Security Force (BSF) and Customs authorities to submit affidavits detailing the steps taken to curb narcotics trafficking. The Commissioner of Customs, Shillong, and the Inspector General of BSF, Shillong, are to be added as party respondents and must file their reports by February 23, 2026.

The case will be revisited on March 2, 2026, by which time the Monitoring Committee is expected to file a detailed report on the progress of the implemented measures.

Bottom Line:

Steps to address drug menace and rehabilitation of drug addicts, including establishment of rehabilitation centres, engagement with NGOs, community leaders, and creation of a Monitoring Committee, emphasised by the court.

Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

Mewaker Lyngdoh v. Union of India, (Meghalaya)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2822171