Narcos, Breaking Bad and a Wake-Up Call for Indian Judges

Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-06-05 00:14:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-26 15:20:30

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Alleged drug dealer Sanjay Barakar's attempt to secure bail was rejected in a Calcutta court, with the judge reportedly stating that he must have watched the Netflix shows Narcos and Breaking Bad.

In what must certainly be a first in Indian courts, Judge Sabyasachi Chatterjee rejected the bail application of an alleged drug dealer, stating that the defendant must have watched the popular Netflix shows Narcos and Breaking Bad. The judge went on to explain the consequences of such crimes and warned the defendant against repeating them.

Sanjay Barakar was arrested in March under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He was accused of selling cocaine and ecstasy pills, both of which are Class A drugs. His brother, Subho Barakar, had also been arrested a few weeks prior for drug trafficking.

The judge expressed concern about the harm these drugs can cause, commenting that such substances are like "slow poison" that ruin the lives of individuals and their families. He urged the defendant to become a responsible citizen and spread awareness about the negative effects of drugs.

This unusual commentary from the judge underscores the impact that popular cultural phenomena can have on the Indian judicial system.

Despite the judge's sentiments and comments about the destructive impact of illicit drugs, Barakar's lawyer stated that they would appeal the decision.

Given the recent discussions on drug abuse and its growing prevalence in Indian society, the case and its eventual outcome will be closely watched.

Will the appeal shed light on the pervasive drug problem and lead to much-needed judicial scrutiny, or will it result in further ambiguity?

Only time, and the courts, will tell.

Go!