CJI Surya Kant defends confidentiality of Collegium dissent at CNLU interaction

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized on Saturday that child drug abuse must be viewed as a child protection issue, rather than solely a health concern. Kant warned against the humiliation, stigma, or exclusion of children in need of care and protection, which could silence their voices and hinder their rehabilitation. He stressed that confidentiality and dignity are essential to effectively rehabilitate these children, ensuring they do not carry a permanent label due to their vulnerability.

Kant highlighted the importance of a "child-sensitive" approach, aiming to re-integrate children by restoring their childhood, protecting their physical and mental well-being, and preserving their dignity and self-worth. He addressed a seminar on "Restoring Childhood, Preventing Drug Abuse and Re-integration of Children in Need of Care and Protection" in Patna, noting that over one in five Indian teenagers are at moderate-to-high risk of substance use, as per a 2026 study.

Kant stressed that the reasons for a child's substance abuse are varied, and the impact can include interrupted education, strained family relationships, physical and mental health deterioration, and increased vulnerability to exploitation, violence, trafficking, or other forms of abuse. He emphasized that addressing substance abuse among children requires understanding it as both a public health issue and a child-protection concern, ensuring that these children do not lose the opportunity to grow, learn, recover, and belong.

Kant urged that the response to those exploiting children should differ from the response to child victims in court, with the law focusing on safety, treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation. He also stressed the role of various stakeholders, including the police, hospitals, schools, families, courts, legal services institutions, and civil society, in creating an environment where children can once again experience the essential aspects of childhood, such as education, relationships, play, trust, and future prospects.

Kant concluded by explaining that the true measure of rehabilitation is the child's reintegration into society without stigma, involving the judiciary, government, police, health and education systems, child-care institutions, legal services authorities, academia, and civil society.