The High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur (Bibhu Datta Guru and Ramesh Sinha, CJ) has taken suo motu cognizance of a concerning issue highlighted in a news report published by Dainik Bhaskar. The report exposed the easy availability of sharp and dangerous knives in local shops across Bilaspur, raising serious public safety concerns. The court has registered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address this growing menace.
The PIL was initiated based on a sting operation conducted by Dainik Bhaskar, which revealed that knives, including designer and button knives, were being sold openly in paan shops, general stores, and gift shops. The investigation found that these weapons were readily available for prices ranging from ₹100 to ₹500, with no questions asked about the buyer's intent or age. In one instance, a team purchased three knives from a general store under the pretext of using them for a school drama. The transaction was completed via UPI, highlighting the casual nature of these sales.
The report also pointed out that Bilaspur has witnessed a sharp rise in stabbing incidents, with 120 cases reported in just seven months. These incidents resulted in seven deaths and 122 injuries, often stemming from minor disputes. Despite police efforts, the problem persists, with knives being sold both offline and online without proper checks.
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Court's Directives and State's Response
During the hearing, Advocate General Prafull N. Bharat informed the court that the state has already taken action against the sale of such knives, including online platforms. However, he sought additional time to gather more details about the shopkeepers involved in the sting operation.
The court, noting the gravity of the situation, directed the Principal Secretary of the Home Department to be impleaded as a respondent in the case. The Secretary has been asked to file a personal affidavit detailing the steps taken to regulate the sale of these dangerous weapons.
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"The easy availability of sharp weapons in local shops, including paan shops and gift stores, is a serious threat to public safety. Stricter regulations and enforcement are urgently needed to prevent their misuse," the court observed.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 25th August 2025, and the Advocate General has been instructed to communicate the court's order to the Principal Secretary immediately.
Case Title: ln Re: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation on Unregulated Sale of Sharp Weapons in Bilaspur
Case No.: WIPPIL No. 69 of 2025
