By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 19: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the state government to file a supplementary affidavit within three weeks, detailing the steps taken to address the drug menace in rural areas and the measures implemented to prevent drug abuse across the state.
During the hearing of a PIL, the Court took on record an affidavit filed by the Joint Secretary, Social Welfare department, in compliance with an earlier order.
Senior Counsel SP Mahanta submitted on Tuesday that the matter may be adjourned to allow him time to examine the affidavit filed by the State respondents and respond on the next date of hearing.
Dr N Mozika, DSGI, also sought additional time to file an affidavit as directed earlier, noting that the Union of India has been specifically instructed to detail the steps taken to prevent the entry of narcotic drugs into Meghalaya through international borders.
The Court observed that this affidavit from the Union is necessary, particularly in light of the submissions made in paragraph 9 of the State’s affidavit.
The Union of India has been asked to file its affidavit within three weeks, with prior service to AH Kharwanlang, Advocate-on-Record for the State, and R Khan, Advocate-on-Record for the applicant.
