Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 December 2024
A Legal Awareness Programme on ‘Drug Abuse and De-Addiction’ was organized by the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Andaman Law College, Sri Vijaya Puram, at the college premises on 12th December 2024. The event was graced by Hon’ble Justice Amrita Sinha and Hon’ble Justice Uday Kumar, Judges of the High Court at Calcutta.
In her address to the gathering, Hon’ble Justice Amrita Sinha highlighted the destructive impact of drug abuse on both individuals and society. She shed light on the legal ramifications of drug-related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, urging students to take an active role in spreading awareness about this serious issue. During the session, she engaged the students by posing several questions related to drug laws, which were eagerly answered by the participants.
Hon’ble Justice Uday Kumar spoke about the crucial role of education and awareness in preventing drug abuse. He emphasized the need for early intervention and greater community involvement in de-addiction efforts. Justice Kumar also elaborated on the legal measures available to combat drug trafficking and consumption, stressing the importance of vigilance and proactivity from all sectors of society.
Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Registrar at the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court in Port Blair and Member Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority, delivered an insightful speech. He emphasized the significance of the NDPS Act in the fight against drug abuse and called for a collective effort involving students, educators, and the community. Mr. Sharma also facilitated an interactive session, encouraging students to actively participate in the discussion.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Sudhir Kumar, District Judge, A&N Islands, Mr. Neyaz Alam, Additional District Judge, Port Blair, Ms. Arkabrati Neogi, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Port Blair, Mr. Jayanta Mukherjee, Judicial Magistrate, Campbell Bay, and Mr. Anupam Sircar, Judicial Magistrate, 2nd Court, Port Blair.
The programme saw active participation from students and faculty members of Andaman Law College, making the event both engaging and informative. Dr. S. Jayakumar, Principal In-Charge of Andaman Law College, welcomed the gathering, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Member Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority.