'Place On Record The Methodology': P&H High Court Directs Centre To Disclose Rehabilitation Strategy For Drug-Dependent Jail Inmates

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the authorities of the Union of India to place on record the methodology suggested for bringing drug-dependent jail inmates to a state of normalcy, as part of its ongoing suo motu examination of opioid dependence among prisoners across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor said, "We also require the authorities of the Union of India to place on record the methodology suggested for bringing such drug-dependent inmates to a state of normalcy."

The PIL originated from a report by the Administrative Judge, Mansa Sessions Division, flagging high rates of Buprenorphine-Naloxone administration among jail inmates. It was later expanded to implead the Health Departments of Punjab and Haryana, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UT Chandigarh, and PGIMER, Chandigarh, after Punjab's status report revealed that nearly 50% of its 35,449 jail inmates (15,768) were drug-dependent.

The Amicus Curiae, Advocate Tanu Bedi, drew the Court's attention to Punjab's earlier affidavit showing that at the time of entry into jail, only 2,540 inmates were already registered with the Out-Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Clinic and receiving medication prior to admission, whereas the number of inmates presently drug-dependent stood at 15,768, indicating what the Court termed "an 83% increase in the number of jail inmates who are now drug dependent after their lodging in jails."

The Court observed, "It shows that not only are those entering jail, drug dependent, but there is a growth of almost 4-5 times in the number of jail inmates who become drug dependent after their entry into jail."

Terming this "prima facie... a serious malaise," the Court expressed concern that there was no indication of how the lives of these inmates were being protected, since continued drug dependence would lead to further crises and, absent a concrete strategy, deprive them of their fundamental right to life under the Constitution.

The Amicus Curiae pointed to Rule 29.22 of the Punjab Prison Rules, 2022, mandating a scientific de-addiction programme to cure addicts and restore them as useful citizens.

The Court directed Punjab to clarify what action it has taken pursuant to this Rule over the nearly four years since its notification.

Haryana's affidavit, taken on record, showed that of its 27,111 total jail inmates, 1,295 were currently undergoing treatment for drug dependence, down from an earlier 1,829, a reduction of 534 following treatment, pursuant to a Standard Operating Procedure formalised on 23.02.2026 covering counselling and medical treatment.

However, the Court noted the affidavit was silent on whether trained counsellors were actually available in all jails where required, and directed Haryana to file a further affidavit clarifying how the SOP has actually been implemented on the ground.

The Court further requested the Director, PGIMER to ensure an affidavit is filed by the relevant departmental head, clearly outlining the medical protocol to be followed to guide authorities in restoring such inmates to normalcy.

All affidavits pursuant to these directions were ordered to be served on the Amicus Curiae before the next hearing.

Emphasising the gravity of the issue, the Court observed that it expected the authorities "to remain alive to their obligations to help such inmates in securing their right to life under the Constitution of India."

The matter, listed on the High Court's urgent list, has been adjourned to 15.09.2026.

Case Title: Court on its own motion v. State of Punjab and others

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