Early Times Report
Rajouri, Nov 2: Taking stringent steps against smoking in public places, police today levied fines on 60 people for the offence. Police took this action after receiving complaints from people who were being forced to be passive smokers. The drive was led by a police team headed by ASI Zakir Hussain. "Sixty smokers were booked and a fine of Rs 3,000 was realised from them on the spot," a police officer said. Smoking in public is a clear violation of Fundamental Rights under Article 21-Right to Life, and the areas near hospitals, gardens, parks and public transport fall under no-smoking zones. According to experts, cigarettes are a major source of pollution and smoking produces ten times more pollution than diesel car exhaust. As per Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, smoking in public places is banned and those who violate the law are to be slapped a fine of Rs 200. Government of India has reportedly raised the fine amount from Rs 200 to Rs1,000. |
