The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the rampant sale of tobacco products near schools in Bilaspur, despite the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COPTA).
The news report, published on November 15, 2024, revealed that tobacco products are being sold freely around Railway School No.2, leading to addiction among children and youth.
The court expressed concern over the violation of COPTA provisions and the lack of action by concerned authorities.
Despite the District Collector’s instructions to take strict action against shopkeepers, no concrete steps had been taken.
The court noted that the sale of tobacco products poses a serious threat to minors and young adults.
In response, the Advocate General submitted that regular action is being taken for proper implementation of COPTA.
Following the court’s suo moto cognizance, the District Administration took prompt action, imposing penalties and seizing articles from stalls and carts.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad directed the Chief Secretary, State of Chhattisgarh, and the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, to file personal affidavits detailing steps taken for effective implementation of COPTA in the state and district, respectively.
The matter has been listed for hearing on December 5, 2024.