Punjab and Haryana High Court Seeks Jail De-Addiction Methodology from Centre

Serious rise in dependence after admission

In a suo motu proceeding concerning opioid dependence in prisons across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Union authorities to place their rehabilitation methodology on record. Punjab reported 15,768 drug-dependent inmates among a prison population of 35,449.

The Court noted that only 2,540 inmates were registered for opioid-assisted treatment before entering jail, suggesting a steep increase in dependence during incarceration. It asked Punjab to explain implementation of Rule 29.22 of the Punjab Prison Rules, 2022, which requires a scientific de-addiction programme.

Implementation, counselling and medical protocol

Haryana reported a decline in inmates under treatment after adopting an SOP, but was asked to clarify whether trained counsellors were actually available in every jail. PGIMER was requested to provide the medical protocol needed to restore dependent inmates to normalcy. The Court connected these obligations with protection of prisoners’ right to life under Article 21.