High Court Cracks Down on Drug-Fueled Rave Culture in Himachal’s Tourist Hubs
Concerned by the growing menace of drug abuse and alleged rave parties disguised as tourism events, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken a firm stand to protect the state’s youth and preserve its cultural fabric. Acting on a public interest petition filed by the Himalayan Environment Protection Society, Kullu, the Court has demanded accountability from the state government and law enforcement agencies.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma issued notices to the government and other respondents on July 15, seeking detailed answers about the scale and impact of these events. The petition alleges that high-priced rave parties—some charging up to ₹7 lakh for entry—are being held in popular destinations like Kasol, Jibhi, and Manali, often under the protection of influential figures.
The Court has asked the state to submit comprehensive data before the next hearing on August 28, including the number of FIRs filed, arrests made, age groups of those involved, and whether any action has been taken to identify and penalize the organizers. It also wants clarity on the financial aspects of these events—how much money is being made and where it’s going.
In a related affidavit, the Director General of Police shared five years of district-wise data on drug-related cases, revealing that 2,147 cases were registered in 2023 alone, with Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu topping the list. While the numbers for 2025 so far suggest a slight decline, the Court noted that several earlier concerns remain unaddressed.
To combat the issue, the state has launched initiatives like the Drug-Free Himachal App, a toll-free helpline (1908), and community-level anti-drug committees. But the Court made it clear that more concrete action is needed—especially when it comes to curbing the influence of drug-fueled tourism.
This case marks a critical moment in Himachal’s fight against narcotics, as the judiciary steps in to ensure that the state’s natural beauty and cultural integrity aren’t overshadowed by unchecked party culture and substance abuse.
