Wild Cannabis Plants Openly Growing In Chandigarh? Punjab & Haryana High Court Expresses Concern, Seeks UT's Response

Noting the allegations that cannabis plants have grown wildly in public places in Chandigarh, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stated that it is a matter of "grave concern" and needs to be addressed.

While hearing an anticipatory bail plea in a NDPS case, Justice Sandeep Moudgil was informed by the petitioner's counsel that large number of cannabis plants are growing in the open area near the Secretariat round-about and particularly in a public park. "Many visitors/passerbys or may be even the residents of the city are indulged in misusing the wild growth to their undue advantage and illegal use," the counsel claimed.

The Court stated that the issue raised "is quite serious" and it called upon Senior Standing Counsel for Chandigarh UT to apprise the Court regarding the said issue.

Justice Moudgil said that if at all it is happening in Chandigarh, then it is a matter of grave concern wherein "narcotic drugs are playing havoc in the life of not only the common man but in particular the young generation as a termite, who is future of this country."

The development came while hearing an anticipatory bail of Aman Singh accused under Sections 20 and 29 of NDPS Act.

The counsel for the petitioner contended that the alleged contraband i.e. 800 grams of Sulpha has been recovered from the possession of co-accused Sachin Kumar, which is non-commercial in quantity. He categorically submitted that no recovery whatsoever has been effected from the possession of the petitioner.

It was also contended that police party was traveling on a private vehicle but the registration number of the said private vehicle or the details regarding its ownership have not been mentioned anywhere in the police proceedings, which is contravention of policy framed by DGP, Punjab.

While issuing notice, the Court granted interim-bail to the accused.

The matter is now listed for April 26, for further consideration.

Title: Aman Singh v. State of Punjab.

P.S. Sekhon, Advocate for the petitioner.

Click here to read/download the order