Chhattisgarh HC takes suo motu cognizance after a sting exposes open knife sales in Bilaspur, linking them to 120 stabbings in 7 months, sparking an urgent crackdown.
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BILASPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court on August 14, 2025, took suo motu notice of a sting operation conducted by Dainik Bhaskar that revealed the rampant sale of folding knives, button knives, and other sharp weapons across Bilaspur.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru expressed deep concern over the easy availability of these weapons in everyday shops like paan stores, general stores, and even gift shops, with no questions asked about their intended use.
The sting report demonstrated how investigative reporters could buy sharp knives ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500 without facing any scrutiny.
- At one General Store, the team purchased three knives, including a sharp folding knife, after casually stating they were for a school drama. Payment was made via UPI directly to the shopkeeper’s account.
- At another Gift Shop, they were able to buy a folding knife and a button knife with equal ease, again paying electronically.
The court noted that these findings highlighted the lack of regulation and oversight in the sale of potentially dangerous weapons.
Linking the sting report to real-world consequences, the court took note of the 120 stabbing incidents in Bilaspur over the last seven months. These incidents led to:
- 7 deaths
- 122 injuries
Although police have invoked provisions under the Arms Act, the bench observed that such measures have not been sufficient to curb the alarming rise in knife-related violence.
Court’s Concerns
The High Court emphasized the dangers of indiscriminate knife sales:
- Shopkeepers were willing to sell to anyone, including minors.
- Sharp weapons were being disguised and marketed as kitchen knives or bottle openers.
- No verification of buyer identity or purpose was conducted.
This, the court observed, directly increases the risk of violence and requires stricter regulation and enforcement.
During the hearing:
- Advocate General Prafull N. Bharat, assisted by Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur, acknowledged that similar knives are also easily available on online platforms.
- The state sought time to take instructions regarding a shopkeeper whose photograph appeared in the sting.
Recognising that the issue falls under the purview of the Home Department, the court impleaded the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Government of Chhattisgarh, as Respondent No. 6.
The Principal Secretary has been directed to file a personal affidavit detailing the measures being taken to regulate the sale of sharp weapons.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 25, 2025. The High Court has asked the Advocate General to immediately communicate its directions to the Home Department.
The bench has made it clear that:
“Authorities have taken action under the Arms Act, but a more effective strategy is needed. Stricter regulations and enforcement are necessary to prevent the misuse of sharp weapons.”
Case Title:
In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation… vs. State Of Chhattisgarh and Others
WPPIL No. 69 of 2025
READ ORDER HERE
