1 CGHC010357842025 2026:CGHC:30898-DB NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPPIL No. 69 of 2025 In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Based On News Item, Published In Daily Newspaper Dainik Bhaskar, Bilaspur Bhaskar Namely, Hathiyaro Ka Khula Bazar - 100 Se 500 Rupaye Me Aasani Se Uplabdh Designer Chaku, Bhaskar Ke Sting Operation Me Khulasa, Paan Dukan Se Lekar General Store, Gift Shop Me Khule Aam Bik Rahe Button Chaku, Panch Va Khatarnak Hathiyar ... Petitioner(s) versus 1-State Of Chhattisgarh Through Chief Secretary, Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar, Nawa Raipur C.G. 2-Director General Of Police Police Headquarter, Sector -19, Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur C.G. 3-The Inspector General Of Police Bilaspur Range Bilaspur C.G. 4-Collector Bilaspur, Distt. Bilaspur C.G. 5-Superintendent Of Police Bilaspur, Distt. Bilaspur C.G. 6-The Principal Secretary Of The Department Of Home Government Of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. ... Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s) : None. For Respondent(s) : Mr. Shashank Thakur, Additional Advocate General Hon’ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Hon’ble Mr. Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Judge ROHIT KUMAR CHANDRA Digitally signed by ROHIT KUMAR CHANDRA 2 Order on Board Per Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice 21/07/2026 1. This is an office reference. 2. This suo moto public interest litigation was registered on the basis of a news report published in Bilaspur Bhaskar, on 14.08.2025 with a heading “पान दुकान से लेकर जनरल स्टोर, गिफ्ट शॉप में खुले आम गिक रहे टन चाकू , पंच व खतरनाक हथि!यार" and sub-heading "हथि!यारों का खुला ाजार - 100 से 500 रुपए में आसानी से उपलब्ध डि+जाइनर चाकू , भास्कर के स्टिंस्ट ऑपरेशन में खुलासा". The news report highlighted the alleged open sale of dangerous and sharp-edged weapons, including spring button knives and other lethal weapons, from paan shops, general stores and gift shops, besides their easy availability on online platforms. It further reported a disturbing rise in incidents of stabbing in Bilaspur district and expressed concern that the easy accessibility of such weapons was contributing to an increase in violent crimes, thereby posing a serious threat to public safety. 3. Taking cognizance of the issues raised in the news report, this Court, by order dated 14.08.2025, sought response of the State. Thereafter, on 25.08.2025, an affidavit was filed on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Government of Chhattisgarh, indicating the various steps taken by the State to curb the illegal sale and circulation of such prohibited weapons. It was stated that notices had been issued to persons who had purchased knives through online platforms and, pursuant thereto, 211 knives had been seized. Searches were also conducted at various shops and spring button 3 knives were recovered from one of the shopkeepers against whom an offence was registered. It was further brought on record that two persons were apprehended while possessing spring button knives and appropriate criminal cases had been registered against them. The affidavit also disclosed the details of the action taken under the Arms Act in Bilaspur District and across the State. Having regard to the statistics placed before it, this Court observed that although the figures reflected an alarming situation, the State had initiated appropriate measures to prevent the open sale of dangerous weapons and expressed the expectation that the authorities would remain vigilant and continue taking effective steps to curb the menace. The matter was, therefore, directed to be listed for further monitoring. 4. On 22.09.2025, learned Deputy Advocate General informed this Court that the Police had commenced continuous surveillance over both physical markets and online platforms where such prohibited knives were allegedly being sold and that necessary action was being taken against the persons involved in such activities. Thereafter, the matter was listed on 25.10.2025, 09.12.2025, 28.02.2026 and 13.05.2026. On each of the aforesaid dates, learned counsel appearing for the State informed this Court that no fresh incident relating to the illegal sale of such knives or any similar activity had been reported and that continuous monitoring was being undertaken by the police authorities. 5. Today, when the matter is taken up, learned Additional Advocate General submits that no new instance of illegal sale of prohibited knives, either through online platforms or from shops in the open market, has been reported. It is further submitted that the police 4 authorities continue to maintain vigilance over the situation and are regularly monitoring both offline and online channels to ensure that such illegal activities do not recur. It has also been assured that, if any such incident comes to light in future, prompt and effective action shall be taken strictly in accordance with law. 6. Having considered the submissions made and the material placed on record, this Court is of the view that the very purpose for which the present suo motu Public Interest Litigation was initiated stands substantially achieved. The State has taken concrete steps to prevent the illegal sale of prohibited knives and other dangerous weapons, has conducted searches and seizures, initiated criminal proceedings wherever necessary, and has continued surveillance over both physical markets and online platforms. Significantly, for a considerable period, no fresh instance of illegal sale of such knives has been reported before this Court. 7. In view of the above developments, no further adjudication or monitoring by this Court is called for and nothing survives for consideration in the present proceedings. Before parting, however, this Court deems it appropriate to observe that the issue concerns public safety and maintenance of law and order. It is, therefore, expected and hoped that the State Government, its Police machinery and all concerned authorities shall continue to maintain strict vigilance over the illegal manufacture, possession, sale and distribution of prohibited knives and other dangerous weapons, whether through physical outlets or online platforms, and shall take prompt and effective action, in accordance with law, against any person found indulging in such activities. The authorities shall also continue to 5 undertake periodic inspections and enforcement measures so as to ensure that the menace does not resurface. 8. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the present suo motu Public Interest Litigation stands disposed of. Sd/- Sd/- (Ravindra Kumar Agrawal) (Ramesh Sinha) JUDGE CHIEF JUSTICE Chandra