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The Allahabad high court observed that filing of writ petitions just to create awareness about certain laws and provide information cannot be considered as writ petitions before the court. The Bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Saurabh Lavania observed that such petitions are only filed for the sake of popularity.
A writ petition was filed by petitioner Dr. Syed Rizwan Ahmed seeking a direction upon the respondent Nos.1 (Union Of India Thru Secy. Ministry Of Home Affairs) and 2 to organize public awareness campaigns with the use of audio and visuals to create public awareness about the burning issue of domestic and sexual violence and increasing rate of crimes against women. He suggested that there shall be awareness created among the public about such instances. The petitioner had earlier approached the court and requested the joint Secretary (Judicial) C S Division, Ministry of Home Affairs to take appropriate measures and address the issue.
The court held that it is presumed for every citizen of the country to know the law of the land and mistake of law is no defense. However, at the same time, it may be necessary to create awareness among the less educated sections of society. The court further said that it shall take all the steps to do so but the filing of a writ petition to the sane is not proper. The court further said, "In the absence of specific allegations that the Government has not taken any concrete steps regarding awareness of the said laws, we do not find it t to be a fit case for issuing any direction in exercise of our extraordinary jurisdiction." It was informed by learned Addl. C.S.C that the state of UP had already established ‘mission shakti’ for the protection and safety of women in the state.
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