Recently, the Allahabad High Court at Lucknow observed that filing a writ petition and praying for directions to create awareness about specific laws is not proper and it seems like such petitions are filed only for the sake of popularity.
Background:
The petitioner, Dr Syed Rizwan Ahmed, requested the Court to direct respondent no.1 Union of India to create public awareness campaigns by way of hoardings/billboards and by releasing audio/ video programs to educate people regarding sexual violence and about the laws related to crimes against women particularly the 13th Criminal Law Amendment Act.
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Opinion of the Court
Hon’ble Court remarked that every citizen of the country is presumed to know the law of the land, but sometimes it’s necessary to create awareness about some issues.
It was further observed that in some cases, where necessary, the Court might issue directions for creating awareness about certain laws, but it is not proper to file a writ petition for the said purpose.
It was also noted that from the averments made in the petition, it was not clear that the government has not taken steps to create awareness about the said law.
Learned Additional C.S.C informed the Court that the government of U.P has already launched the Mission Shakti program for the protection and security of women who reside in the state.
Filing Writ Petition For Seeking A Direction To Create Awareness About Law Is Not Proper: All HC
The Hon’ble Court dismissed the writ petition, but the Court further observed that it is open for the appropriate government to take steps in light of Apex Court’s decision in Vishaka & Ors vs State of Rajasthan & Ors.
Case Details:-
Title: Dr Syed Rizwan Ahmed vs Union of India
Case No.: P.I.L. CIVIL No. – 19502 of 2020
Date of Order:05.11.2020
Coram: Hon’ble Justice Pankaj Mithal and Hon’ble Justice Saurabh Lavania
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