PIL filed before SC to raise age for smoking, ban sale of loose cigarettes etc.

The Petitioners alleged that such products affect citizens' fundamental right to health recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

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Recently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Advocates Shubham Aswathi and Sapta Rishi Mishra in the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Central Government to combat smoking addiction.

The Petitioners claimed that products such as cigarettes, affect the right to health of citizens, recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, 1950. The plea also briefed upon second-hand smoking or, passive smoking.

The PIL sought the following:

1. Raising the age for smoking from 18 to 21

2. Removing designated smoking zones from commercial places and airports

3. Banning the sale of loose cigarettes

4. Banning the sale of cigarettes near educational and healthcare institutions, as well as places of worship

5. Increasing penalty for smoking in public places

6. Initiating scientific studies and other steps to control the sale and addiction of tobacco in India, particularly cigarettes.

Additionally, the plea also emphasized the increase in the rate of smoking in India within the last two decades, thereby placing the country in the second rank for most smokers between the ages of 16-64.

[Shubham Awasthi & Anr v. Union of India]

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