Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
In a significant move to safeguard children's health, the Delhi High Court has prohibited the sale of cigarettes, gutkha, pan masala, and all other tobacco products outside schools. The order came while hearing a petition filed by a licensed street vendor who alleged harassment by the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
A Division Bench comprising Justice Vikas Mahajan and Justice Prathiba M. Singh observed that schools are attended by young children, and selling tobacco-related products in their vicinity cannot be permitted under any circumstances.
Case was filed by Suresh, a vendor operating near Nizamuddin Railway Station, who claimed that despite holding a valid vending certificate, he was repeatedly harassed by officials from the Delhi Police and the MCD.
During the proceedings, the MCD argued that the vendor had been selling pan masala, gutkha, cigarettes, and other tobacco products near a school while also failing to maintain proper cleanliness around his vending site.
After considering both sides, the High Court directed the MCD to provide the vendor with an alternative vending location within three days. However, it categorically barred him from selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, gutkha, and pan masala, near any school.
The Bench further instructed authorities to allow the vendor to continue operating peacefully under prescribed conditions until the alternative site is allotted. The court also reiterated that it has consistently taken a strict stance against the sale of tobacco products in areas frequented by children, emphasizing that public health and child safety must remain the top priority.
