Act tough on public smoking, HC tells officials

The Act envisages effective protection to non-smokers from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke and to protect children and youth from being addicted to tobacco use. Justice N Kirubakaran while passing orders on a plea moved by T C Sharath of Studio 11 seeking action against smoking in public, listed out directions which included surprise raids at shops located within the vicinity of schools and booking of the persons who smoke in public places as per section 12 and 21 of COPTA Act, respectively. 

The other directions included confiscation of tobacco products sold at shops located within 100 yards from a school, punishment to persons selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to persons below 18 years and removal of advertisements of tobacco products placed near schools. Directing both the Health Ministry and State police to file a report on the action taken by June 20, the judge said, “Though statutes and rules mandate that shops, which are located within 100 yards from the educational institutions, should refrain from selling tobacco products, it is found that many shops are selling tobacco products, thereby enabling the school children to have easy access to tobacco products.” 

Also, pointing out that though strict laws have been enacted in this regard, they have not been duly implemented by the respective agencies, the judge in his order quoted several surveys which categorically held that the use of tobacco products among school children were high.