Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Punjab and Haryana HC Seeks Report on Infant Sold by Drug-Addicted Parents
Imagine a baby's parents were struggling with drug addiction and also didn't have much money.
Sadly, they sold their little baby for a lot of money.
A kind retired coach heard about this and told a big court, called the High Court.
The court is now asking important people in the area to quickly find out where the baby is, if he is okay, and why he wasn't kept with his mommy.
The court thinks babies should usually stay with their mommies, even if the mommy is in jail.
The court also wants to know what the government is doing to help people with drug problems so this doesn't happen again.
The government says they are trying to stop drugs, but the court wants more information to make sure the baby is safe and sound.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has demanded an urgent report on a five-month-old infant allegedly sold by drug-addicted parents for Rs 1.8 lakh.
The court questioned why the infant was not kept with his mother, who is currently in judicial custody.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by retired coach Labh Singh highlighted the issues of drug addiction, poverty, and child vulnerability in Punjab.
The PIL cited statistics indicating a high prevalence of drug use in Punjab, including among minors and women.
The court directed the Mansa District Child Protection Officer to submit a status report on the infant's well-being and care, with the next hearing set for November 18.
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mansa District Child Protection Officer, Punjab government, retired boxing coach Labh Singh, former state-level wrestler mother, her husband
- What
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought an urgent report regarding a five-month-old infant allegedly sold by his drug-addicted parents, and questioned the child's custody arrangements.
- When
- Friday, with the next hearing scheduled for November 18.
- Where
- Mansa district, Punjab, India.
- Why
- The court is investigating the welfare and custody of an infant sold by his parents due to their drug addiction and poverty, as highlighted in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Arguments for Keeping Child with Mother
State's Position on Child's Custody
Infant's Placement
Arguments for Keeping Child with Mother
Senior Advocate Baltej Singh Sidhu argued that addiction alone should not justify separating a child from the mother, pointing to laws recognizing mothers as natural guardians and questioning why the infant was placed in institutional care instead of with his mother in judicial custody.
State's Position on Child's Custody
The state counsel stated that the mother is in judicial custody, and the child remains under the care of the Child Welfare Department. The court questioned why the infant was not with his mother, noting that infants are ordinarily permitted to stay with incarcerated women.
Addressing Drug Addiction
Arguments for Keeping Child with Mother
The PIL highlights the state's failure to implement a coordinated anti-drug and rehabilitation framework, contributing to family vulnerability and incidents like the infant sale.
State's Position on Child's Custody
The state counsel mentioned the existence of a state task force headed by a senior police officer to combat the drug problem.
- Incident Date (FIR)
- October 25
- Infant Age
- Five months old
- Alleged Sale Price
- Rs 1.8 lakh
- Parents' Condition
- Drug addicts
- Court Hearing Date
- Friday
- Next Hearing Date
- November 18
- PIL Filed By
- Labh Singh, retired boxing coach