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 a total of 1399 cases were registered under the Arms Act, 1959 (‘the Arms Act’), in 2024, and 677 cases were registered till June 2025. Noting this, the Court remarked that the data revealed an alarming picture and listed the matter for further monitoring.
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 being readily sold in various locations, without shopkeepers asking any questions.
On the last date of hearing, the Court directed the Principal Secretary of the Department of Home, Chhattisgarh, to file an affidavit on the matter. In compliance, the Additional Chief Secretary filed an affidavit stating that notices were sent to the persons who had purchased knives online through e-commerce sites, and a total of 211 knives were seized.
Various shops were checked/searched, and cases were registered against those who possessed spring button knives. In Bilaspur, a total of 225 cases were registered under the Arms Act in 2023, and various arms were seized. Similarly, a total of 1399 cases were registered under the Arms Act, and 226 arms were seized in 2024. From 01-01-2025 to 17-08-2025, a total of 677 cases were registered and 250 weapons were seized. Additionally, from January to June 2025, a total of 32 cases related to knife attacks were registered.
The affidavit mentioned that to control the antisocial elements and prevent crime, the police were regularly carrying out surveys, conducting surprise checks/pickets, and taking other measures. Additionally, online platforms were being repeatedly requested to provide timely information so that the police may take prompt action as soon as the delivery of the weapons through online mode to prevent any untoward incidents.
Analysis
The Court remarked that the data showed an alarming picture of the situation prevailing in the society, though the State appeared to be taking adequate measures to prevent the sale of such dangerous weapons in open markets/online platforms.
The Court further hoped and trusted that the State and its agencies would be more vigilant and take positive steps in curbing the knife menace, which would aid in reducing crimes related to the Arms Act.
The matter was listed for further monitoring on 22-09-2025.
[In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State Of Chhattisgarh, WPPIL No. 69 of 2025, decided on 25-08-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the respondents: Advocate General Prafull N Bharat and Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur