SC issues notice on PIL seeking ban on sale of smoking products
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the centre and state governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to ban smoking products in the country.
The apex court has asked the law enforcement agencies to implement the notice strictly.
There is already a ban on selling cigarettes near educational institutions and to those under the age of 18 years.
Smoking in public places was prohibited nationwide from 2 October 2008 under the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to 12% of the world's smokers. Approximately 900,000 people die every year in India due to smoking.