National Legal Services Authority: On 04-07-2025, 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. The initiative underscores NALSA’s ongoing commitment to advancing reformative justice, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of persons in custody.
Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA, delivered the keynote address, emphasising 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 Telangana High Court and Patron-in-Chief, Telangana SLSA, and Justice P. Sam Koshy, Judge, Telangana High Court and Executive Chairman, Telangana SLSA, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of rehabilitation through a compassionate and human-centric approach.
The program was also attended by Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana, Anita Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women Development & Child Welfare, Telangana, and Sandeep Shandilya, IPS (Retd.), Director, Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau.
The new De-Addiction Centre aims to reform prison lives by focusing on holistic recovery and seeks to provide medical treatment, psychological counselling, and rehabilitative support to inmates affected by substance abuse. The event emphasized that addiction is not merely a bad habit, but it is a condition that requires care, understanding, and sustained support.
Justice Surya Kant stated,
“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 the tools to rebuild their lives. Reformative justice is not just an ideal — it is a responsibility.”
The event concluded with dignitary felicitation and a tour showcasing prison-made articles. This initiative aligns with NALSA’s mission for an inclusive, humane justice system that can transform lives while ensuring Access to Justice for All.
