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Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the marketing of beedis under the brand name "Shankar Parwati Chhap," stating that the petitioner must seek appropriate legal recourse instead of invoking public interest jurisdiction.

The petition, filed by Adarsh Kumar, sought a direction to restrain the manufacturer from using the name and logo, arguing that associating God and Goddesses with tobacco products hurt religious sentiments.

However, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra found no merit in entertaining the plea, stating that the petitioner should pursue legal remedies as per existing laws.

"Having gone through the averments contained in the petition, we do not find any reason to entertain the present petition purportedly in public interest, for the allegations made in the petition, the petitioner has to take appropriate steps in accordance with law," the bench said.

Consequently, while refusing to intervene, court dismissed the plea and clarified that Kumar retains the liberty to take appropriate proceedings in accordance with law. With this, the petition was dismissed on March 5, 2025.

Case Title: Adarsh Kumar vs. State of U.P. and 3 others