‘44% Punjab Prisoners Drug-Dependent’: HC Flags Serious Concern Over Inmates’ Condition

Last Updated:September 08, 2026, 10:27 pm IST

The Court said the figures pointed to a serious problem within Punjab’s prison system.

The court directed the Punjab govt to explain how it is implementing scientific de-addiction programmes mandated under prison rules. (Representative image)

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday raised concerns over the growing number of prisoners in Punjab who become drug-dependent after being imprisoned, warning that the issue could undermine their constitutional right to life.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor noted that 15,768 of the 35,449 inmates in Punjab prisons, around 44 per cent, are currently drug-dependent. Data presented before the Court showed that nearly 83 percent of these inmates were enrolled in Out Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics only after entering prison.

“Learned Amicus Curiae has pointed out from the affidavit filed by the State of Punjab on the previous occasion that, at the time of entry into jail, 2540 inmates were already registered under the Out Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment Clinic (OOAT Clinic) and were being administered tablets/medicines prior to their admission. The number of inmates who presently are drug dependent is 15768,” the court observed, according to a report on Bar and Bench.

The Court said the figures pointed to a serious problem within Punjab’s prison system.

“It shows that not only are those entering jail, drug dependent, but there is a growth of almost 4-5 times in the number of jail inmates who become drug dependent after their entry into jail,” the court added.

It directed the Punjab government to explain how it is implementing scientific de-addiction programmes mandated under prison rules. The Centre was also asked to submit its methodology for helping affected inmates return to normal life.

“We may indicate that this is a serious issue, and we expect the authorities to remain alive to their obligations to help such inmates in securing their right to life under the Constitution of India,” the Court said.

Meanwhile, Haryana reported 1,295 drug-dependent inmates out of 27,111. The figure has fallen from 1,829 after treatment was provided.

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What percentage of prisoners in Punjab are drug-dependent, according to the High Court?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court noted that 15,768 of the 35,449 inmates in Punjab prisons, approximately 44 percent, are currently drug-dependent. This figure indicates a significant increase in drug dependency after entry into jail.

How many drug-dependent inmates in Punjab were enrolled in OOAT clinics before entering prison?

At the time of entry into jail, 2,540 inmates were already registered under the Out Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Clinic and were receiving medication. However, the number of drug-dependent inmates grows significantly after incarceration.

What actions has the High Court directed the Punjab government to take regarding drug dependency in prisons?

The High Court directed the Punjab government to explain its implementation of scientific de-addiction programs mandated under prison rules. It also asked the Centre to submit its methodology for helping affected inmates return to normal life.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More

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