Mumbai: Emphasizing the illicit trade of tobacco items, a recent X post by a High Court lawyer spotlighted the illegal sale of cigarettes in the Fort area of Mumbai, near the High Court, which is marked as a 'Non-Smoking Zone,' yet there is a significant prevalence of tobacco sales in that locality.
Advocate Payne shared the images of paan shops in the area and stated in her post caption, "@mybmc @BankofIndia_IN @MoHFW_INDIA @TobaccoFreeInd It's ironic that the walls outside Bank of India at Fort, next to the High Court, display 'No Smoking' signs on every pillar and on walls, yet pan shops are seen operating near the gate to sell cigarettes. The area is filled with cigarette smoke, and people are seen smoking right next to the 'No Smoking' signs. How can smoking be banned, but cigarette sales allowed just outside? Is public health being ignored for revenue? Why are licenses given in a 'No Smoking' zone? What steps are being taken to curb tobacco use in public spaces? Public health and heritage must come before profit. #BankOfIndia #NoSmoking #BMC #PublicHealth #FortMumbai"
A post on X by Jessy Payne (@AdvJessy), an advocate practicing law in the High Court, highlighted the illegal sale of tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, in 'No-Smoking Zones'. In the post, the advocate remarked that "it's ironic" that the walls of the Bank of India at Fort have 'No Smoking' signs on each pillar and wall, while pan shops can be found selling cigarettes near the entrance and asked, "How can smoking be banned, but cigarette sales allowed just outside? Is public health being ignored for revenue?" while tagging official X accounts of BMC, Bank Of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and Tobacco Free India.
BMC's Respond
In response to the post by Advocate Payne, BMC's digital team was quick to respond and commented within the hour of posting informing and assuring that the concerns raised and responsible authorities have been informed and that the BMC ward A team will attend the issue soon.
The respond comment by BMC read: "We understand your concern. We have an intimate @mybmcWardA team to attend this as soon as possible."
What Are The Laws Against Smoking In Public Spaces?
In Mumbai, smoking in public places is banned under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, with violations punishable by fines and possible public service. First-time offenders may incur a ₹1,000 fine and one day of service, while repeat offenders face higher penalties.
Spitting tobacco products in public is also banned, carrying similar repercussions, such as fines and potential imprisonment for repeat infractions. Public signage is mandated to indicate these prohibitions, including helpline information for reporting violations.
Tobacco collection boxes are set up at government office entrances. Additionally, the sale of tobacco near educational institutions is forbidden, and electronic cigarettes are also restricted. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation oversees enforcement through its smoke-free cell.
Actions Against Smoking In Public Spaces
In the caption, Advocate Payne addressed two key questions, "Why are licenses given in a 'No Smoking' zone?" and "What steps are being taken to curb tobacco use in public spaces?", the questions raised highlight raise grave concern as there are open violations of law happening for decades and there is no action taken against it.
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