Source: The Hindu, Chennai
NEW DELHI India November 2, 2001: In a significant order concerning the health of the citizens, the Supreme Court today ordered a ban on smoking in public places throughout the country with immediate effect. Affected facilities included government buildings, courts, public transports, railways, hospitals, community halls, stadia, educational institutions and public libraries. The Bench also directed the Commissioners of Police of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Ahmedabad to comply strictly with the provisions of the Cigarettes (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1975, relating to the sale, supply and distribution of cigarettes. They were also asked to submit status reports of action taken against cigarette manufacturers violating the advertising code. According to the petitioner, despite the 1975 Act being in force, the implementing authorities had failed to take note of this and the health of a large number of people was affected because of misleading advertisements and publicity for smoking cigarettes.