Chhattisgarh High Court Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance Of 'Unregulated' Knife Trade, Increasing Stabbing Incidents
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo-motu cognisance of news report claiming unregulated availability of knives in paan shops, general stores and gift shops, which it states has contributed to increase in stabbing incidents across Bilaspur, directing the state to inform on steps taken to curb the same. The Court referred to a news report published in a Hindi Daily claiming that sharp...
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo-motu cognisance of news report claiming unregulated availability of knives in paan shops, general stores and gift shops, which it states has contributed to increase in stabbing incidents across Bilaspur, directing the state to inform on steps taken to curb the same.
The Court referred to a news report published in a Hindi Daily claiming that sharp weapons are easily available in paan shops, general stores and gift shops, readily being sold by shopkeepers across various locations without proper scrutiny or regulation.
A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru in its order said:
“Despite police efforts, the city continues to grapple with this issue, with incidents occurring due to minor disputes. The police have registered cases across various months, with notable incidents in Civil Line and Sarkanda areas. Furthermore, 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.”
Background
The news report further claimed that shopkeepers are willing to sell knives to anyone, including minors, without asking questions or verifying the buyer's intentions. It further stated that Bilaspur had witnessed an “alarming and disturbing” trend of stabbing incidents, with 120 cases being reported in just seven months, resulting in seven fatalities and 122 injuries.
In this regard, the bench cautioned,
“This lack of oversight and regulation can contribute to an increase in violent incidents, such as stabbing, and raises concerns about public safety.”
The State informed the Court that besides the offline sale, various knives are being sold on online websites too and the State has taken action on selling of such knives. Against this backdrop, the Court directed,
“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 matter is now listed on August 25 for further hearing.
Case Title: Suo Motu v/s State of Chhattisgarh and Ors.
Case Number: WPPIL No. 69 of 2025