Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has cautioned that drug and substance abuse often begins innocuously through curiosity or peer pressure but eventually causes irreversible harm to individuals, families and society. Stressing that the nation’s future rests on its younger generation, he urged youth to remain vigilant and actively reject drugs, warning that addiction creates a deceptive sense of control before taking complete hold of lives.
The Chief Justice was speaking in Goa at the launch of a 30-day drug abuse awareness campaign, initiated by the Bombay High Court Goa Bench in association with the Goa State Legal Services Authority. He said combating the drug menace requires a collective response, involving parents, educational institutions, legal authorities, government agencies and the public at large.
“Drug abuse is not the responsibility of one institution alone. Only coordinated efforts can effectively counter this growing threat,” Justice Surya Kant said, while underlining the need for sustained awareness and community vigilance. He praised Goa’s openness but stressed that such social environments also require heightened alertness to prevent the spread of substance abuse.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the event and supported the initiative aimed at sensitising citizens, especially the youth, about the dangers of drugs and addiction.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice addressed students, judges and lawyers at the National Conference and Symposium on Mediation held at the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) in Goa. While speaking on mediation, he reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged litigation, noting that mediation has deep roots in India’s traditions.
Justice Surya Kant also led a Mediation Awareness Walkathon from Kala Academy, walking two kilometres alongside other Supreme Court judges, including Justice J.K. Maheshwari, to spread awareness on alternative dispute resolution.
Addressing the conference organised by the Bar Council of India, the Chief Justice highlighted the shortage of trained mediators in the country and said strengthening mediation would help ease the burden on courts. He reiterated that mediation is cost-effective and restorative, unlike litigation, which often escalates conflicts.
During the programme, the Chief Justice released a book on climate change published by IIULER and a booklet on mediation. He also felicitated Libia Lobo Sardesai, Goa’s first woman advocate and Padma Shri awardee, along with senior advocate Norma Alvares.
Reiterating his message against substance abuse, Justice Surya Kant said awareness initiatives such as the 30-day campaign are essential to protect the youth from falling prey to drugs and to safeguard society’s future.
