Justice Surya Kant Inaugurates De-Addiction Centre At Chanchalguda Central Prison, Hyderabad, Telangana Towards A Drug-Free Future And Reformative Justice
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
5 July 2025 11:42 AM IST
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority and the Telangana Prison Department, inaugurated a dedicated De-Addiction Centre at Chanchalguda Central Prison, Hyderabad on 4th July 2025. The initiative underscores NALSA's ongoing commitment to advancing reformative justice, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of persons...
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority and the Telangana Prison Department, inaugurated a dedicated De-Addiction Centre at Chanchalguda Central Prison, Hyderabad on 4th July 2025. The initiative underscores NALSA's ongoing commitment to advancing reformative justice, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of persons in custody.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA, who delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the critical role of such centres in transforming lives, reducing recidivism, and enabling individuals battling addiction to re-enter society with dignity and purpose.
Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Patron-in-Chief, Telangana SLSA; and Justice P. Sam Koshy, Judge, High Court for the State of Telangana and Executive Chairman, Telangana SLSA, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of rehabilitation through a compassionate and human-centric approach.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana; Smt. Anita Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women Development & Child Welfare, Telangana; and Sri Sandeep Shandilya, IPS (Retd.), Director, Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau.
The De-Addiction Centre marks a significant step toward reforming lives within the prison system. With a focus on holistic recovery, the centre aims to provide medical treatment, psychological counselling, and rehabilitative support to inmates affected by substance abuse. As emphasised during the event, addiction is not merely a bad habit – it is a condition that requires care, understanding, and sustained support.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Surya Kant noted, “This centre is not just a facility; it is a symbol of second chances. We must ensure that inmates are treated with respect and are empowered with tools to rebuild their lives. Reformative justice is not just an ideal – it is a responsibility.”
The event concluded with a felicitation of the dignitaries and a tour of the facility, including prison-made articles showcased as part of the rehabilitation efforts.
This initiative forms part of NALSA's broader vision of building a justice system that is inclusive, humane, and capable of transforming lives, in line with its mission to ensure Access to Justice for All.