Don't take action against tobacco sellers: HC tells government

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the state government not to take any coercive action against tobacco sellers while hearing a plea challenging the ban on sale of chewable tobacco in the national capital.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher issued notice to the Delhi government and sought its response on the plea by May 20, the next date of hearing.

The court asked the Delhi government not to take coercive action against tobacco sellers till the date it will next hear the matter.

The Delhi government has banned all forms of chewable tobacco -- including gutka, khaini and zarda.

The March 30 ban notification prohibits manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any additive.