In a rare demonstration of judicial intervention for social rehabilitation, the Kerala High Court recently facilitated the college admission of a young man recovering from drug addiction and even paid his tuition fees.
A Division Bench comprising Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon took the extraordinary step of raising ₹91,000 for the student&rsquo;s course fees from costs imposed on a litigant in an unrelated case.
The case highlights the Court&rsquo;s progressive approach toward drug addiction, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. "The focus must be on reintegrating drug addicts into society rather than penalizing them for their addiction. They should feel that the system is there with them," the Bench observed.
The Court referenced another distressing case involving a man who assaulted his mother under the influence of drugs, underscoring that even in extreme situations, the objective should be reform rather than retribution. "We must reform them. That is the new modality," Justice Mustaque noted.
The matter came before the Court through a petition filed by the young man&rsquo;s father. His son, struggling with severe mental health issues resulting from drug abuse, was prescribed anti-psychotic and anti-convulsant medication while undergoing treatment. However, the young man was later named an accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. During police custody, he refused medication, continuing the pattern even after being released on bail.
The Court directed his admission to a Government Mental Health Centre, waiving the usual requirement for a bystander to accompany him&mdash;a condition his family could not meet due to financial constraints. After discharge, the Court engaged with him directly and learned of his desire to join a course at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI).
With the help of amicus curiae advocate V Ramkumar Nambiar, the Court facilitated his admission to the Social Welfare Institute at Aluva, despite the application deadline having passed. The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the Central government agreed to extend the cut-off date, enabling his enrollment.
While the petitioner&rsquo;s counsel, advocate John S Ralph, initially paid an advance of ₹25,000, the Court chose to cover the full fee of ₹91,000 from costs collected in another case. The Kerala State Legal Services Authority was directed to release the amount and reimburse the counsel.
The Bench also plans to monitor the young man&rsquo;s progress, instructing the amicus curiae to interact with him every two months. In its order, the Court expressed gratitude to all parties involved, including the petitioner&rsquo;s counsel, amicus curiae, the Deputy Solicitor General, and government pleaders, for their cooperation in the rehabilitation effort.
This case sets a significant precedent, illustrating the judiciary&rsquo;s willingness to go beyond traditional boundaries to support social reintegration and rehabilitation for drug addicts.

Kerala HC funds rehab student’s college admission

Kerala High Court helps young drug addict join college, waives fees and ensures support

Kerala HC funds rehab student’s college admission

Kerala High Court helps young drug addict join college, waives fees and ensures support

October 19, 2025 | 16:56 IST