The demand from bidi and jarda makers in Gujarat drastically declined in the aftermath of larger pictorial warnings mandated on tobacco product covers
Court was hearing a petition filed against shopkeepers who sell tobacco products to students
Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is already linked to problems for babies, including low birth weight and early delivery
Tobacco is leading to death of 1.3 million people across the region every year - the equivalent of 150 fatalities per hour
The apex court said that the tobacco companies have to follow the rules till the Karnataka HC pronounced its final order
Last month, tobacco companies protested against requirements that 85% of a cigarette should be covered
Traders demanded probe into the alleged 'motives' behind the new rule mandating implementing of 85% graphic health warning on tobacco products
Presently, cigarettes are the most smuggled item in the country after gold.
Industry estimates stoppages cost it as much as $68 million a day, taking cumulative losses to up to $850 million
Amended rules increased size of health warnings to 85% of both sides from 40% on one side of packs
Large pictorial warning on tobacco packets is the most cost effective strategy to prevent youngsters from initiating use and provokes current users to quit the habit, they said
Strongly recommends National Tobacco Control Policy should be equitable, pragmatic and implementable
Few retailers were holding back stock until the government announced higher cigarette prices
Report says existing excise and VAT rates are insufficient to increase the prices of tobacco products, making them easily affordable