Aurangabad Bench Of Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Rampant Sale Of Banned Items Outside Schools And Colleges; Seeks Action To Protect Students

Mumbai: The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court expressed concern over young students enticed into use of drugs and cigarettes.

A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Y G Khobragade took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the news articles on rampant sale of such illegal and banned items outside educational institutions.

News Reports on Student Addiction Raise Alarm in Court

The court noted in its June 20 order that it came across “disturbing” news articles on people running businesses selling banned items such as drugs, cigarettes and e-cigarettes outside schools and colleges.

The offenders, according to news reports, are targeting young students with such items, the court said. “Young students of an impressionable age are enticed into consumption of such drugs and cigarettes, virtually opening the path towards addiction and their physical destruction,” HC said.

Police Directed to Act in ‘True Spirit’ Against Offenders

The court asked the city police to act in “true spirit” and ensure that citizens’ especially young students, are protected from such illegal activities. “We would also appreciate if the Police Department of this city acts in the true spirit of the Department and ensures that the citizens are protected against such activities,” it added.

Court Appoints Amicus to File PIL for Systemic Intervention

The court appointed senior advocate PR Katneshwarkar to assist the court and asked him to file proper public interest litigation on the issue so that appropriate directions could be issued to the authorities.