Chhattisgarh High Court: In a suo motu public interest litigation (‘PIL’) registered regarding the unregulated sale of sharp knives, the Division Bench of Ramesh Sinha, CJ., and Bibhu Datta Guru, J., noted that the easy availability of such weapons exacerbated the rising problem of increased stabbing incidents and posed a threat to public safety. Accordingly, the Court sought an affidavit from the Home Department on the matter.
Background
The present PIL was registered based on a news report published in Bilaspur Bhaskar regarding the easy availability of sharp weapons in paan shops, general stores, and gift shops, which was contributing to an increase in stabbing incidents. The investigation disclosed that knives were readily sold in various locations, without shopkeepers asking any questions.
At one general store, the team purchased three knives, including a sharp and thin folding knife, after telling the shopkeeper they were for a school drama. Similarly, at another gift shop, the team bought a folding knife and a button knife without any issues. This easy access to sharp weapons raised concerns about public safety and the need for stricter regulations on their sale. The news further stated that in the name of kitchen knives and openers, deadly weapons were being sold openly.
Analysis
Upon perusal of the aforesaid news report, the Court stated that it transpired that sharp weapons were easily available in local shops, such as paan shops, general stores, and gift shops, without proper scrutiny or any regulation. The news further revealed that shopkeepers were willing to sell knives to anyone, including minors, without asking questions or verifying the buyer’s intentions.
“This lack of oversight and regulation can contribute to an increase in violent incidents, such as stabbing, and raises concerns about public safety.”
Further, the Court noted that as per the news item, Bilaspur had witnessed a disturbing trend of stabbing incidents, with 120 cases reported in just seven months, resulting in seven fatalities and 122 injuries. Despite police efforts, the city continues to grapple with this issue, with incidents occurring due to minor disputes. Additionally, the easy availability of knives, both online and in local shops, exacerbated the problem. The authorities have acted under the Arms Act, 1959, but a more effective strategy was needed to curb this trend. As such, stricter regulations and enforcement were necessary to prevent the misuse of sharp weapons.
The State informed the Court that even on online websites, various knives were being sold, and it had acted against the same. Further, regarding the shopkeeper whose photograph was shown in the aforementioned news item, selling a variety of knives, the State sought time to reply.
Since the Department of Police was directly under the State Home Department, the Court deemed it appropriate to implead the Principal Secretary of the Department of Home. The Court further directed the Principal Secretary to file an affidavit concerning the news item and the steps taken to curb the selling of such knives easily. The Court further directed that the impleadment shall be completed within three days.
The matter was listed for 25-08-2025.
[In the Matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State of Chhattisgarh, 2025 SCC OnLine Chh 8204, decided on 14-08-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the respondents: Advocate General Prafull N. Bharat and Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur
