Bombay High Court: The Court initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) after taking cognizance of disturbing news reports published in Dainik Sakal dated 14-6-2025 and 16-6-2025 which exposed the illegal sale of banned items, which were described as drugs and cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes near schools and colleges in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Division Bench of Ravindra V. Ghuge and Y.G. Khobragade, JJ., held that the matter raised serious concerns targeting young students and a judicial intervention to safeguard them from drug abuse was required.
The Court acted on a series of investigative reports by journalists revealing that law offenders were running a business selling banned items which were described as drugs and cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes — targeting students in schools and colleges. It was reported that young students of an impressionable age, were enticed into consumption of such drugs and cigarettes virtually opened the path towards addiction and their physical destruction.
Responding to these reports, the Court took immediate cognizance and directed the Registrar of the Court to register a suo motu PIL, placing on record the two editions of Dainik Sakal, dated 14-6-2025 and 16-6-2025. The Court further requested the Senior Advocate to assist the Court as an Amicus Curiae and permitted him to draft and file a formal PIL.
The Court recorded appreciation for the Press Reporters of Dainik Sakal for bringing this issue to light and requested that the Police Department of this city to act in the true spirit of the Department and ensure that the citizens are protected against such activities.
[Registrar, High Court of Bombay Bench at Aurangabad v. State of Maharashtra, Suo-Motu Public Interest Litigation (ST) No. 18656 of 2025, decided on 20-6-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
P.R. Katneshwarkar, Senior Advocate appointed as Amicus Curiae
For the Respondent-State: A.B. Girase, Government Pleader