Allahabad High Court Converts 2014 PIL on Acid Sale Regulation into Suo Motu Case to Safeguard Public Interest

Prayagraj | December 18, 2025: The Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in 2014 concerning the regulation and restriction of acid sales in Uttar Pradesh, after the original petitioner expressed his unwillingness to continue pursuing the matter. The court’s move underscores the continuing importance of the issue and its impact on public safety. The original PIL was filed by Anubhav Verma seeking stricter regulation of acid sales, a measure aimed at preventing misuse that often leads to grievous injuries, especially among women. However, Verma recently approached the court to withdraw the petition, citing personal reasons. The court, recognizing that the matter carries significant public interest, decided that it could not be closed merely on the petitioner’s request. A division bench comprising Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Vivek Saran emphasized that public interest litigation differs from typical adversarial cases. In such matters, the broader welfare of society takes precedence, and withdrawal by the petitioner cannot undermine justice. The bench observed that permitting the withdrawal could defeat the very purpose of addressing critical issues affecting public safety and welfare. In its December 9 order, the court stated, “While we cannot judge the choice or motive of the original petitioner who wishes to withdraw from such a genuine public interest litigation, we observe that the interest of justice may be defeated if such litigation is permitted to be withdrawn on the volition of the original petitioner, to the extent this is not adversarial litigation but public interest litigation.” The bench allowed Verma and his counsel, Pradeep Kumar, to formally withdraw from the case but decided to continue the matter as a suo motu proceeding. The court directed the Registry to re-register the PIL as a suo motu case, making necessary changes to the party description and ensuring the cause continues uninterrupted. To assist the court in the proceedings, advocates Akansha Mishra and Utkarshini Singh were appointed as amicus curiae, providing expert guidance to safeguard the public interest and ensure the issue of acid sale regulation is thoroughly examined. This decision marks a significant step in reinforcing the court’s role in protecting societal welfare. Acid attacks remain a pressing concern in Uttar Pradesh and across India, and strict regulation of acid sales is considered vital to preventing such incidents. By converting the PIL into a suo motu case, the Allahabad High Court ensures continued judicial oversight, emphasizing that issues affecting public safety cannot be left unresolved due to the withdrawal of individual petitioners. The move is expected to strengthen regulatory measures on the sale of acid, promote accountability among sellers, and contribute to broader preventive strategies aimed at reducing acid-related crimes. The court’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding public interest, particularly in cases that have wide-ranging social consequences and require sustained judicial Allahabad High Court Converts 2014 PIL on Acid Sale Regulation into Suo Motu Case to Safeguard Public Interest The Allahabad High Court has converted a 2014 public interest litigation (PIL) on acid sale regulation in Uttar Pradesh into a suo motu case after the original petitioner, Anubhav Verma, expressed his decision not to continue with the matter. The move highlights the court’s commitment to addressing issues that directly affect public safety and welfare. The original PIL sought stricter rules on the sale of acid to prevent misuse, which has been a cause of serious injuries and attacks, particularly targeting women. While Verma and his counsel, Pradeep Kumar, were allowed to formally withdraw, the court emphasized that the case involves significant public interest and cannot be closed solely on the petitioner’s decision. A division bench, consisting of Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Vivek Saran, noted that public interest litigation differs from typical legal disputes because it aims to protect societal welfare. They stated that withdrawing such a case could undermine justice and leave critical issues unresolved. The court directed the Registry to re-register the PIL as a suo motu case, updating party details as needed. To assist in the proceedings, advocates Akansha Mishra and Utkarshini Singh have been appointed as amicus curiae, ensuring expert guidance and support for proper judicial oversight. This step reinforces the importance of strict acid sale regulation in Uttar Pradesh. Acid attacks remain a serious concern, and effective legal oversight can help prevent misuse, promote accountability among sellers, and protect vulnerable groups. By taking suo motu cognizance, the court ensures the issue continues to receive attention and is not left unresolved due to individual withdrawal. The decision underlines the judiciary’s role in safeguarding public safety, maintaining justice, and driving legal measures that protect society from preventable harm.