Punjab and Haryana High Court Takes Serious Note of Wild Cannabis Growth, Seeks Reports from Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula

The bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sandeep Moudgil of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed grave concern over the rampant growth of cannabis plants in various areas, including sectors in Chandigarh and the outskirts of the high court. Observing that such growth facilitates illegal drug peddling, especially among the youth, the bench has called for immediate action.

Taking cognizance of the misuse of wild cannabis growth for illegal commercial purposes, the high court has directed the administrations of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula to submit reports by May 20. The bench emphasized the need for destroying or burning such growth to curb drug-related activities.

The issue was raised during the hearing of a plea related to a drugs seizure case in Punjab, highlighting the serious impact of narcotic drugs on society, particularly on the younger generation. The bench stressed the importance of addressing this issue promptly and called upon the state machinery to explain the actions taken and present any action plan to combat the situation.

Previously, the high court had sought an action-taken report from the UT administration after being informed about the wild cannabis growth near the Secretariat building in Capitol Complex. The administration had reported that necessary measures had been taken to destroy the cannabis plants in response to the court’s directive.