The Jharkhand High Court has directed a strict crackdown on the illegal sale of cough syrup and other narcotic medicines across the state. The division bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar issued the order during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting widespread misuse of such drugs, particularly among schoolchildren.
The court instructed the state government and all concerned authorities to ensure that no medical store or outlet sells cough syrup or narcotic drugs without a valid prescription from a doctor. Comprehensive raids on shops, distributors, and other outlets have been ordered, with authorities required to inspect stock records, supply registers, and sales documents to eliminate illegal trade. A detailed compliance report must be submitted within three weeks.
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The PIL, filed by Sunil Kumar Mahato, cited instances of rampant cough syrup misuse and pointed to a recent seizure of a large quantity in Dhanbad district. Advocate Ritu Kumar, representing the petitioner, highlighted that despite earlier action by the CID, illegal sales continued unchecked.
The court also named the state Drug Controller as a respondent to ensure effective enforcement. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 12.
Authorities have been urged to take decisive action immediately to prevent further misuse and to safeguard children and vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of narcotic medicines.
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