Decriminalise possession of small quantities of drugs, suggests social justice ministry

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has suggested decriminalising possession of small quantities of drugs for personal consumption, PTI reported on Sunday.

The ministry made the suggestion last week in its review of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act submitted to the Department of Revenue, the nodal body for administrative authority on the law.

An unidentified official said that the ministry suggested that those held with small quantities of drugs be given compulsory treatment at government centres instead of a jail term. The ministry suggested treating people who use drugs or are dependent on them as victims, reported The Indian Express.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, “small quantity” refer to amounts of drugs less than that specified by the Union government. For example, the limit for cannabis is 100 grams, and 2 grams in case of cocaine.

The suggestions came after the revenue department asked other departments, several ministries, the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation to propose changes to the NDPS Act.

Possession of drugs is a criminal offence under the NDPS Act. It only gives addict or those dependent or drugs immunity from prosecution and imprisonment if they volunteer for treatment and rehabilitation.

However, there are no reliefs or exemptions for first timer…

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