Pulwama: Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, on Saturday chaired an awareness programme on the NALSA DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Scheme, 2025, and drug abuse at Government Degree College (Boys), Pulwama.
The programme was organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Pulwama, under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority and was attended by Justice Sanjay Dhar, Administrative Judge for Pulwama.
According to an official statement, Justice Sanjeev Kumar inaugurated the college’s Legal Literacy Club and, in his address, described drug abuse as a serious social challenge, urging young people to follow the principle that “prevention is better than cure” and emphasising the need for collective efforts to tackle the menace.
Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, DLSA Pulwama, Malik Shabir Ahmad highlighted the importance of legal awareness and community outreach, while the Secretary, DLSA Pulwama, explained the objectives of the NALSA DAWN Scheme and the role of legal services institutions in promoting awareness, counselling and rehabilitation.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom assured full administrative support for anti-drug awareness, prevention and rehabilitation initiatives in the district.
A psychiatrist, Dr Umer, also addressed the gathering, discussing the psychological, social and health consequences of substance abuse and highlighting the availability of de-addiction centres and helpline services in Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice Sanjay Dhar stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the judiciary, administration, educational institutions and civil society to combat drug abuse.
During the programme, the dignitaries released Rabita, a publication brought out by the District Legal Services Authority, Pulwama.
Later, Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Dhar visited the District Court Complex, Pulwama, where they laid the foundation stone for lawyers’ chambers and inaugurated an e-Sewa Kendra to facilitate access to legal services. They also met district administration officials, judicial officers and members of the Bar Association to discuss issues relating to legal aid and access to justice.
Earlier in the day, the two judges visited the Court Complex at Pampore, where they laid the foundation stone for lawyers’ chambers and interacted with members of the Bar Association.
Meanwhile, a Special Lok Adalat for cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, was held at Pulwama. According to the statement, 16 cases were taken up, of which 12 were disposed of, resulting in the settlement of cheque bounce cases worth ₹4 lakh.
