New Delhi: Delhi high court asked the Centre and the Delhi government to take a stand on a PIL seeking a “complete ban” on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.
A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar issued a notice to the following asking them to respond to the PIL that alleges child labour is rampant in companies engaged in tobacco products, like ‘khaini’, in the capital.
Ministry of home
Ministry of Health
Ministry of finance
Delhi government
National commission for protection of child rights
Delhi state commission for protection of child rights
Also read: Law relating to Smokeless Tobacco Products
The petition alleged firms are engaged in manufacture, packaging, marketing and sale of ‘khaini’, in violation of various statutory provisions and “illegal activities” including surrogate advertisement, not paying minimum wages to its workers, child labour, tax evasion and environment pollution.
It has also contended that products are advertised in such a manner so as to give the impression that it was herbal and beneficial to health.
The plea urges the court to direct the authorities concerned for safeguarding the fundamental rights of children working in manufacturing units of the tobacco company.
Also read: Toothpastes and Tooth powders containing Tobacco
