Justice Ravindra V Ghuge, Justice YG Khobragade, Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance Of Selling Of Drugs, Cigarettes & E-Cigarettes Near Schools And Colleges
|The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court observed that it has read certain disturbing news items, which are a result of investigative journalism on the part of the Journalists working with Dainik Sakal, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The Bombay High Court has taken suo-moto cognizance of media reports on businesses selling banned items, such as drugs and cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes, near schools and colleges.
The Aurangabad Bench of the High Court observed that it has read certain disturbing news items, which are a result of investigative journalism on the part of the Journalists working with Dainik Sakal, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
A Division Bench of Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice YG Khobragade observed, "Considering the aforesaid reporting of such sale and use of drugs, we deem it appropriate to take cognizance of the news items and we accordingly direct the learned Registrar (Judicial) of this Court to register a Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation. Copy of both these editions of Dainik Sakal, dated 14.06.2025 and 16.06.2025, shall be placed on record."
Senior Advocate P. R. Katneshwarkar was appointed as Amicus Curiae while the State was represented by Government Pleader A. B. Girase.
It was reported that there are some people 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 report further stated that 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.
"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 Court remarked while directing for registration of a Public Interest Litigation on the issue.
It also granted liberty to the Senior Advocate to circulate the formal PIL that he undertook to file on the subject, at the earliest.
Cause Title: The Registrar (Judicial) High Court of Judicature of Bombay Bench at Aurangabad vs. The State of Maharashtra & Ors.
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