ATR on tobacco sale near schools sought

Making an oral observation that “If this situation is allowed to continue, Tamil Nadu would soon become another Punjab,” Justice N Kirubakaran directed the Additional Government Pleader Sanjay Gandhi and Additional Advocate General Venkatramani to furnish monthly details of the raids and seizures held by the State in this regard. 

The judge also sought specific district wise action taken report on sale of tobacco products a n d alcohol near schools. 

The present order had come about on a plea moved by T C Sharath seeking action against persons who smoke in public places and shop keepers who sell tobacco products to students.

It may be noted that the judge, in an interim order passed in June last year, had directed the authorities to book those who smoke in public places as per section 21 of COPTA Act and file a report before the court. 

He had also cited a survey by an NGO that about 87.7 per cent of the shops in the vicinity of schools sold cigarettes and 84 per cent shops have people smoking in front of the shops and that there was 100 per cent violation of provisions which prohibits sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. 

The Judge on Tuesday also observed that there was extensive use of tobacco products among schoolchildren, though Statues and Rules prohibit selling such products to children.

The Judge after directing the authorities to file a report in this regard on a monthly basis posted the case for further hearing to March 21.