World | India
India bans smoking in public places
India has banned smoking in public places as it tried to reduce the number of smoking related deaths in the country.
- Agencies
- Published: 11:34 October 2, 2008
New Delhi: India has banned smoking in public places as it tried to reduce the number of smoking related deaths in the country.
The ban will affect an estimated 240 million people, who will now not even be able to light up in offices, bars, bus stops and restaurants.
Anyone caught violating the ban will receive a 200 rupee (Dh15) fine, although how many are wondering how strictly this law can be enforced.
One cigarette manufacturer, ITC Ltd, has challenged the decision in the Supreme Court with a decision due in November.
Official figures say India sells around 102 billion cigarettes every year, and that around one fifth of the deaths caused annually are related to smoking.
Do you think this ban can be imposed successfully, considering the large population of India? Should the concerned authorities take stricter actions against people smoking in public?
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