CJI calls for treating child drug abuse as child protection issue

New Delhi, Sep 26, 2026 : Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said that drug abuse among children should be viewed not only as a public health issue but also as a matter of child protection. He was speaking at a seminar on “Restoring Childhood – Preventing Drug Abuse and Re-integration of Children in Need of Care and Protection” in Patna.

The Chief Justice stressed the need to ensure that children affected by substance use are provided safety, treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and opportunities to resume education and family life. Highlighting the importance of early intervention, he said families, schools, teachers, health professionals and community workers can play a crucial role in identifying signs of vulnerability before they develop into a crisis.

Justice Surya Kant highlighted the importance of educational continuity, safe family environments and aftercare in the rehabilitation process. He said reintegration should not merely mean the physical return of a child to a home or school, but restoration of the child’s place in family, educational and community life without stigma.