The Delhi High Court has refused to hear a PIL requesting a ban on the sale and consumption of tobacco products near temples.
In the order passed on January 15, a bench of former Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that if there is any violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce) Act-2003, then the concerned authorities must take necessary action. Will take action.
The bench said, “We do not consider it appropriate to accept this petition as a PIL.” Petitioner Abhimanyu Sharma alleged that tobacco products are sold near religious places and asked the authorities to stop the sale of tobacco products near temples and other religious places. Requested to direct to take necessary steps to ban the sale of such products.
The petitioner also sought direction that those dealing in tobacco products should not sell any other item. The court said, “Needless to say, if the authorities concerned find any violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce) Act 2003 or any rule made thereunder, the Necessary action will have to be taken as per law.
