Kerala HC directs steps to strengthen school protection groups to tackle drug abuse among students
The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C Jayachandran made the suggestion while considering a batch of petitions, including one filed by Sumi Joseph of Ernakulam, a mother of two school-going children, along with petitions by KeLSA and others, seeking effective state action on the issue.
As per the 2011 circular, the formation of SPGs was voluntary, with the head of institution as chairperson, and members including the police station house officer, local elected representatives, PTA president, student leaders, teachers, parents and community members such as merchants and auto drivers.
Observing the sharp rise in NDPS cases over the last decade, HC orally suggested that the state govt consider formalising the SPGs.
It directed that the issue be placed before the chief secretary, who may assign it to the concerned secretary of the state govt for appropriate action.
Kochi police commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who appeared before HC as per an earlier directive, informed that police have identified vulnerable hotspots and increased surveillance around educational institutions, deploying both uniformed and shadow officers.
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HC further noted that, as per a report submitted by the registrar of district judiciary, 529 NDPS cases are currently pending due to delays in receiving reports from forensic science laboratories (FSLs). Although the state submitted that there are no vacancies in the post of scientific officers, HC observed that neither the state nor the PSC had provided details of FSL vacancies despite earlier directions. Accordingly, the state was directed to file an affidavit detailing steps taken to fill the vacancies.
The court further suggested convening a joint meeting of the state authorities and the public service commission to address the issue.
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