Petition Before Top Court Regarding Handling of Cigarette and Smoking Addiction

CASE: Shubham Awasthi & Anr v. Union of India

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition has been moved before the Apex Court seeking a direction from the Central government to come up with strategies to handle cigarette and smoking addiction.

The PIL has been filed by advocates Shubham Awasthi and Sapta Rishi Mishra. They further sought the removal of smoking zones from commercial places and a ban on the sale of cigarettes near educational institutions, places of worship and healthcare institutions. The petitioner further mentioned the increase in the smoking age from 18 to 21.

The petitioners requested the court to pass directions to increase the penalty for smoking in public places. Additionally, they fought for the initiation of scientific studies, and other steps to control the sale and addiction of tobacco in India, especially cigarettes, since they affect citizens' health.

The plea cited a news report regarding the failure of the Health Ministry to regulate smoking, claiming that the rate of smoking has increased in the last two decades, with India now ranking second in the smoker's category for the 16 - 64 age group. In addition, the petitioner cited a study published in the Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research that highlighted the severe economic burden of second-hand smoke exposure in India.

Accordingly, the petitioners stated that the outcome of this petition would benefit all citizens.