Acting swiftly on the Supreme Court order banning smoking in public places, Centre has directed the states and Union Territories to take effective steps to prohibit smoking in such areas.
In a communication to health secretaries of various states and union territories, the Union Health Ministry has asked them to give wide publicity to the Apex Court's order to create an awareness about the ill-effects of smoking. In a major boost to public health and a stinging blow to the cigarette industry, the Supreme Court early this month directed all states and Union Territories to immediately issue orders banning smoking in public places and public transports including railways. The Apex Court had directed the government to prohibit smoking in public places such as auditoriums, hospitals, health institutions, educational institutions, libraries, court buildings, public offices and public conveyances, including railways. Bureau Report