The Kerala High Court has taken a compassionate and reformative approach in the case of a young man accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), by ensuring that he is able to continue his education and rebuild his life through rehabilitation. The Court not only intervened to secure his admission to a vocational training institute but also arranged for his course fees to be paid entirely through funds available with the legal services authority. The judgment reflects a humane view that addiction should be treated as a medical and social issue, not merely a criminal one.
The case originated when the father of the accused approached the High Court seeking assistance for his son, who was suffering from substance use disorder and mental health complications. The young man was under treatment for addiction and related psychiatric conditions, taking medications such as antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. During the course of his treatment, he was implicated in an NDPS case, which further disrupted his recovery and social stability. After being released on bail, his condition worsened as he could not continue treatment properly due to financial and logistical difficulties. His family, unable to manage the care required, turned to the Court for help.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Court directed that the accused be admitted to a government mental health centre for continued medical supervision. Importantly, it also instructed that the institution should not insist on a bystander being present, understanding the family’s economic hardship. The Court’s order was based on the principle that healthcare and rehabilitation must not be denied because of poverty or the stigma attached to drug dependence.
During subsequent hearings, the Court interacted directly with the young man, who expressed his desire to study at an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and acquire skills that could help him reintegrate into society. Taking a proactive stance, the Court requested the relevant educational authorities to grant him late admission to the course, which was eventually approved. Once admitted, the issue of tuition fees arose—amounting to ₹91,000—which the family could not afford. To ensure that financial constraints did not derail the rehabilitation process, the Court ordered the amount to be paid from costs deposited in another case, directing the State Legal Services Authority to release the funds.
To maintain oversight and encourage continued progress, the Court appointed an amicus curiae to monitor the young man’s academic and personal development, with a mandate to interact with him every two months. This measure was intended to ensure consistent support and accountability during his recovery journey.
In its order, the Court emphasized that individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders should not be abandoned or condemned by society but supported through education, treatment, and reintegration opportunities. The judgment reinforces that the justice system’s role extends beyond punishment to fostering rehabilitation and hope. By facilitating education for a person accused under the NDPS Act, the Kerala High Court demonstrated that compassion and reform are powerful tools in addressing addiction and rebuilding lives.
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