New Delhi (NVI): Police can now “enter, search and seize” electronic cigarettes without warrant as the government yesterday promulgated an Ordinance to prohibit electronic cigarettes in the country.
According to a circular by the Ministry of Home Affairs, “Police officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector and above will now have the power to enter, search and seize the prohibited items without warrant”.
The MHA through its circular to all states and union territories has requested to enforce the provisions of the Ordinance.
“It is requested that due enforcement of provisions of the above-mentioned Ordinance may kindly be ensured, considering the potential deleterious impact of e-cigarettes on public health, especially in respect of the young population going to schools and colleges. Further, congruent capacity building and sensitization of the enforcement personnel may be done for effective implementation of the Ordinance.”
The government yesterday promulgated the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Import, Export, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Ordinance, 2019 that bans production, sale, purchase etc of electronic cigarettes in the interest of public health.
Notably, the Cabinet on September 18, approved the promulgation of the prohibition of electronic cigarettes.
With this Ordinance, any production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale (including online sale), distribution or advertisement (including online advertisement) of e-cigarettes shall be a cognizable offence punishable with an imprisonment of up to one year or fine up to Rs one lakh or both for the first offence and imprisonment of up to three years and fine up to Rs five lakh for a subsequent offence.
Storage of electronic-cigarettes shall also be punishable with an imprisonment up to six months or fine up to Rs 50,000 or both.
