Send drug users or addicts for rehabilitation, not jail: social justice ministry

Recommending a more humane approach towards drug users and drug addicts, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has suggested decriminalising possession of small quantities of drugs for personal consumption.

It has suggested amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act to treat those who use drugs or are addicted to them as victims. The ministry suggested that such people should be referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation, and not sentenced to jail.

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Currently, the NDPS Act only adopts a reformative approach towards addicts. No exemption is granted to first-time or recreational users.

The NDPS Act’s nodal administrative authority — the Department of Revenue — had last month asked several ministries and departments to suggest changes to the law.