“Shocked” Over Sale Of Drugs, Ciggerates & E-Cigarettes Outside Schools, Bombay High Court Takes Suo Motu Congizance
The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court recently took suo motu cognizance of the illegal sale of drugs, ciggarates and even e-cigarettes near schools and colleges in the city.
A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Yanshivraj Khobragade were “disturbed” to take note of the news items published in the Marathi Daily “Dainik Sakal” in the June 14 and June 16 editions.
The news items highlighted that there are some law offenders who are running a business of selling banned items, which are described as drugs and cigarettes, as well as, e-cigarettes, and are targeting schools and colleges, the judges noted.
“Young students of an impressionable age, are enticed into consumption of such drugs and cigarettes virtually opening the path towards addiction and their physical destruction. There are much details in the various news items published in the said editions of Dainik Sakal,” the judges observed.
Considering the said reporting of such sale and use of drugs, the judges deemed it appropriate to take cognizance of the news items.
“We accordingly direct the Registrar (Judicial) of this Court to register a Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation. Copy of both these editions of Dainik Sakal, dated June 14, 2025 and June 16, 2025, shall be placed on record,” the judges ordered.
Senior Advocate PR Katneshwarkar was appointed as Amicus Curiae who agreed to file a formal PIL at the earliest.
“We record our appreciation for the Press Reporters of Dainik Sakal, who have taken up this issue. We would also appreciate if the Police Department of this city acts in the true spirit of the Department and ensures that the citizens are protected against such activities,” the judges said.
Appearance:
Senior Advocate PR Katneshwarkar appeared as Amicus Curiae.
Government Pleader AB Girase represented the State.
Case Title: The Registrar (Judicial), High Court of Judicature Of Bombay Bench At Aurangabad vs State of Maharashtra [Suo Motu PIL (Lodging) 18656 of 2025].
