The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of concerns regarding potential drug abuse at the upcoming Sunburn Festival in Mumbai, issuing notices to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra and the state's Chief Secretary. The commission is demanding a detailed action-taken report within three days.
The NHRC's intervention follows a complaint filed by Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan, a citizens' group, on December 8. The complaint alleges that the festival poses a "serious threat to the health and safety of the youth" due to its history of drug abuse, criminal activities, and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, referencing past incidents in Goa. The group fears that moving the event to Mumbai, a city already vulnerable to drug trafficking, could exacerbate the problem and endanger young attendees.
Sunburn Festival, a major electronic dance music (EDM) event in Asia, is scheduled to be held in Sewri, Mumbai, from December 19 to 21, marking its first time taking place in Mumbai instead of Goa. The citizens' group requested the NHRC to intervene and direct authorities to ensure strict CCTV surveillance, mandatory drug screening, prohibition of entry to minors, and preventive action against drug peddlers, among other measures. The complaint also urged for enhanced security in toilets and strict drunk-driving checks.
The NHRC, presided over by Member Priyank Kanoongo, has stated that the allegations prima facie appear to be violations of human rights. The commission is seeking a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within three days from the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and the DGP. Specifically, the NHRC is asking for details on steps taken to prevent the use of illicit substances during the event, measures to monitor and control drug peddlers, actions to ensure that minors do not gain entry, and an undertaking from the permission-granting authorities addressing the concerns raised in the complaint. The NHRC has said it is forwarding the complaint for appropriate action and reiterated that the ATR must be submitted within the stipulated period for its perusal.
The relocation of the Sunburn Festival to Mumbai has faced growing opposition, with concerns mounting across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Citizens are demanding strong preventive measures at the event to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse.
