The Madras High Court has raised critical concerns about the police’s awareness and handling of drug issues in Tamil Nadu and the adequacy of basic facilities provided to relocated slum dwellers. These concerns are part of a case initially filed in 2017 by the Women’s Rights Movement. It challenged the eviction of slum dwellers in Chennai and the conditions of their new accommodations.
In 2018, the High Court appointed an advocate commissioner to assess the basic facilities at four relocation sites, including Perumbakkam and Thuraipakkam. After inspecting these areas, the advocate commissioner’s report, which was submitted to the court, highlighted that narcotics, including ganja, were freely available.
During a recent hearing, Chief Justice Krishnakumar and Justice Balaji examined the advocate commissioner’s findings. Chief Justice Krishnakumar noted that the report indicated narcotics were being distributed freely in the areas in question, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures. Justice Balaji emphasized the need to understand why no action had been taken on the recommendation to establish a drug rehabilitation center. The justices’ comments highlighted their concern over the apparent lack of progress in addressing drug-related issues in the region.
The judges also questioned the police counsel about the extent of drug problems across Tamil Nadu. “Are the police not aware of the extent of the drug issue in Tamil Nadu? This problem is affecting school children as well,” they said. They further inquired if a separate body was designated to handle drug cases or if such cases could be transferred to an independent entity for a more thorough investigation.
In response, the police counsel assured the court that drug trafficking had been brought under control and highlighted a decrease in crime rates. The counsel also noted the deployment of many police officers in the affected areas and stated a detailed report on the actions taken based on the advocate commissioner’s recommendations would be submitted.
The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to review and respond to the advocate commissioner’s recommendations. They also instructed the District Legal Works Commission and the Taluka Legal Works Commission to personally inspect and report on providing basic facilities at the relocation sites. The case has been adjourned to 9 September 2024 for further proceedings.
(With inputs from OneIndia Tamil)
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