The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has initiated suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) to address the illegal sale of drugs, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes near schools and colleges in the city.

A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Yanshivraj Khobragade took cognizance based on news reports published in the June 14 and 16, 2025 editions of the Marathi daily Dainik Sakal, which exposed the operation of banned substance vendors allegedly targeting students in educational zones.

"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," the Court observed, expressing concern over the reports.

Stating that the reports contained detailed accounts of law offenders selling prohibited items to students, the bench directed the Registrar (Judicial) to register a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation, ordering that copies of the aforementioned news reports be placed on record.

The Court also appointed Senior Advocate PR Katneshwarkar as Amicus Curiae, who agreed to file a formal PIL at the earliest. The Bench recorded its appreciation for the role of journalists in bringing the issue to light:

"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 acts in the true spirit of its responsibility and ensures that the citizens are protected against such activities," the Court added.

Government Pleader AB Girase appeared for the State.

Case Title: The Registrar (Judicial), High Court of Judicature at Bombay Bench at Aurangabad v. State of Maharashtra [Suo Motu PIL (Lodging) No. 18656 of 2025]