HC notice to TN govt on law banning smoking at public places

The Madras High Court today issued notice to Tamil Nadu government on a petition seeking effective implementation of the law banning smoking in public places.
Justice N Kirubakaran, who heard a petition by one T C Sharath seeking proper implementation of rules against smoking in public places and sale of tobacco, issued notice to the State Health and Family Welfare department and the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, after impleading them as respondents.
The petitioner, while referring to Section 2 (C) of the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, submitted that a tea stall in Kodambakkam area here permitted customers to smoke outside the shop in violation of the rules.

He also submitted that as per the rules, tobacco should not be sold within 100 yards from any educational institution. But there was a government school close to the tea stall.
Sharath said he had moved court as several representations to officials on the matter had proved futile.
The judge said that "since the issue in the writ petition is with regard to use of tobacco and smoking, larger issues have to be dealt in the case."
"Therefore, the government of Tamil Nadu represented by its Health and Family Welfare Department, Chennai, andDGP, Tamil Nadu, are suo motu impleaded as respondents."

The judge then posted the matter for further hearing to June 8.