211 knives bought via e-commerce sites seized by police after Chhattisgarh HC case on unregulated knife sales

The Chhattisgarh High Court was recently informed that the State police has seized 211 knives from 193 people this year, after they were issued notices based on customer information disclosed by e-commerce websites which had sold them such knives.

The High Court had last month taken suo motu cognizance of a news report that knives were being openly sold in paan shops, general stores, and gift shops, leading to an increase in stabbing incidents.

The authorities have taken action under the Arms Act, but a more effective strategy is needed to curb this trend, the Court had observed, at the time.

In response, the police on August 25 told the Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru that they have been repeatedly making requests to e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and Shopclues to provide the list of persons who ordered the knives, except those used in kitchens.

After receipt of the information from these e-commerce sites, the police issued notices to the persons to whom the knives were delivered and the police seized the knives which were not in the nature of kitchen knives/ utility knives, the Court was told.

The statements of total 193 persons were recorded and a total 211 knives were seized from them, as per the police. The Court was also informed that in 2024, a total of 1,399 cases were registered under the provisions of the Arms Act. 677 cases were registered between January and June this year.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court remarked that the data shows an alarming picture of the situation prevailing in the society. However, it also said that the State appears to be taking adequate measures so that such dangerous weapons are not sold in open markets and online platforms.

“We further hope and trust that the State and its agencies would be more vigilant and take positive steps in curbing the aforesaid menace which would in turn help in reducing the crime relating to the Arms Act, in the society,” the Court said, while listing the matter for further monitoring on September 22.

Advocate General Prafull N Bharat with Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur represented the State.

[Read Order]