Chhattisgarh HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Open Knife Trade
The Chhattisgarh High Court on August 14, 2025, took suo motu notice of a sting report that showed folding knives, button knives and other sharp weapons being sold openly in paan shops, general stores and gift shops across Bilaspur, and directed the state’s home department to explain what steps it has taken to check the trade.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru acted after a Dainik Bhaskar sting published on August 14 showed investigators buying knives for as little as Rs 100 to Rs 500 without being asked the purpose of purchase. The order records that transactions were completed through UPI and in at least one instance the sellers accepted electronic payment after being told the knives were for a school drama.
"The investigation disclosed that knives were readily sold in various locations, including Gol Bazar, without shopkeepers asking any questions. 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 made via UPI the shopkeeper’s account. Similarly, at another Gift Shop, the team bought a folding knife and a button knife without any issues, making the payment to the shopkeeper’s account. This easy access to sharp weapons raises concerns about public safety and the need for stricter regulations on their sale," the order noted.
Court drew a direct link between the unfettered availability of such weapons and a worrying pattern of violence in the city. The newspaper’s report, relied on by the bench, noted 120 stabbing incidents in Bilaspur in the past seven months, resulting in seven deaths and 122 injuries. While the police have registered cases and invoked provisions of the Arms Act, the bench said those measures have not sufficed to check the trend.
During the hearing, the Advocate General, Prafull N. Bharat, assisted by Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur, acknowledged that similar knives are also sold on online platforms and sought time to take instructions concerning a shopkeeper whose photograph featured in the sting report.
Court acceded and, recognising that policing falls within the home department’s remit, impleaded the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Government of Chhattisgarh, as respondent number six. The Principal Secretary has been directed to file a personal affidavit detailing steps taken to curb the sale of sharp weapons.
The order emphasises the ease with which dangerous implements are being marketed under innocuous descriptions such as kitchen knives and bottle openers and expresses concern at the apparent willingness of shopkeepers to sell to anyone, including minors, without scrutiny.
"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," court said.
"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," court stressed.
The bench has fixed the matter for further hearing on August 25, 2025, and asked the Advocate General to communicate the court’s directions to the home department immediately.
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation... vs. State Of Chhattisgarh and Others
Order date: August 14, 2025
Bench: Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru