Smoking Ban Across Indian Comes Into Force

The notification issued on May 30, 2008 by the Union Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss , for the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 came into force on Gandhi Jayanti i.e. October 2, 2008. Smoking is banned at public place all over the country. Any violation of the ban is a punishable offence with a fine up to Rs. 200.Union Health Minister Dr. Ramadoss welcomed the Supreme Court order declining to stay the Centre’s notification prohibiting smoking . The Supreme Court , on September 29, 2008. had refused to stay ban on smoking in public places. A Bench consisting of Justice B. Agrawal and Justice G.S. Singhvi rejected the contention that enforcement of the notification would result in inspector raj and needless harassment , thus paving the way for implementation of the Centre’s notification dated May 30, 2008.Dr Ramadoss described the ban as a major step towards providing a smoke-free atmosphere and protecting non- smokers from passive smoking . He said he had personally written to Governors. Chief Ministers , Health Ministers and Members of Parliament to ensure effective implementation of the ban. According to him , Delhi , Jharkhand and Chandigarh are some States which have already begun implementing the ban. In case of Maharashtra and Bihar which expressed their inability to impose it, he said all effortr , hncltdinf litigation , would be lade to presrurise the States to implement the prohibition . Massive publicity and awareness campaigns would also be launched .Smoking will be prohibited at all places to which the public has access, including auditoriums, health institutions, government buildings , stadiums, workplace , shopping malls , restaurants, etc. However in case of large hotels and restaurants having more than 30 rooms or 30 seats , and airports, a provision for a separate smoking area is made . Further , the States might create a separate head of account in which the fine could be deposited . The department could use the money for tobacco control activities.