The High Court of Chhattisgarh has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report detailing the open and unregulated sale of sharp weapons in Bilaspur. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and has directed the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to be impleaded as a party respondent and file a personal affidavit on the matter.
Background of the Case
The Court initiated the proceedings based on a news item published in the “Dainik Bhaskar” newspaper on August 14, 2025. The report, titled “हथियारों का खुला बाजार – 100 से 500 रुपए में आसानी से उपलब्ध डिजाइनर चाकू, भास्कर के स्टिंग ऑपरेशन में खुलासा” (Open market of weapons – Designer knives easily available for Rs 100 to 500, revealed in Bhaskar’s sting operation), highlighted the easy availability of sharp weapons like button knives and knuckle dusters in various shops across Bilaspur.
According to the judgment, the news report detailed a sting operation where knives were purchased from paan shops, general stores, and gift shops without any questions being asked by the shopkeepers. The report stated, “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.” The payment was reportedly made via UPI. The court noted that the news item claimed that “on the name of kitchen knife and opener, deadly weapons are being sold openly.”
The judgment further references the news report’s alarming statistics on violent crime in Bilaspur, stating the city “has witnessed an alarming and disturbing trend of stabbing incidents, with 120 cases reported in just seven months, resulting in seven fatalities and 122 injuries.”
Court’s Analysis and Observations
The High Court, after perusing the news report, observed that the matter raises serious concerns about public safety. The order states, “From perusal of the aforesaid news report, it transpires that sharp weapons are easily available in local shops, such as paan shops, general stores, and gift shops, without proper scrutiny or any regulation.”
The Bench further observed, “The news further reveals that shopkeepers are 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.”
The Court also took note of the connection between the availability of these weapons and the rise in crime, observing, “The easy availability of knives, both online and in local shops, exacerbates the problem. The authorities have taken action under the Arms Act, but a more effective strategy is needed to curb this trend. As such, stricter regulations and enforcement are necessary to prevent the misuse of sharp weapons.”
State’s Submission
During the hearing, Mr. Prafull N. Bharat, the learned Advocate General for the State of Chhattisgarh, stated that action has been taken regarding the sale of such knives on online websites. Regarding the specific shopkeeper whose photograph was published in the news report, the Advocate General requested time to seek instructions.
The Court’s Decision
Finding the issue to be of significant public importance, the High Court ordered the impleadment of the Principal Secretary of the Department of Home, Government of Chhattisgarh, as a party respondent. The order reads, “Since the Department of Police is directly under the control of the Home Department of the State, this Court deems it appropriate that the Principal Secretary of the Department of Home, Government of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, be impleaded as party respondent No. 6, who shall file his personal affidavit with respect to the above news item and steps taken to curb the selling of such knives easily.”
The Court has directed that the necessary changes to the list of parties be made within three days. The Advocate General has been instructed to communicate the order to the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, forthwith.
The matter has been scheduled for its next hearing on August 25, 2025.
