New Delhi, September 29
The Supreme Court today refused to stay the proposed ban on smoking in public and private buildings, including offices, restaurants, clubs and pubs, from October 2 and directed other courts not to pass any order on petitions relating to the subject.
Under the ban, violators will be slapped with a fine of Rs 200, which is proposed to be raised subsequently to Rs 1,000 for the individual and to Rs 5,000 for his employer if the offence is committed on the office premises.
''We are of the view that it is not a fit case for grant of interim relief. Accordingly, the prayer for staying the implementation of the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008 is hereby rejected,'' a Bench, comprising Justices B N Agarwal and G S Singhvi said after hearing petitions filed by tobacco companies and restaurant owners.
''It is needless to say that no court in the country can pass any order on petitions of this nature,'' the judges clarified.
The apex court also transferred to itself four such petitions pending before the Delhi High Court and fixed November 18 for the hearing, which otherwise was slated for tomorrow in the HC.
The other places covered under the ban include schools, stadia, airports, hospitals and bus stands, virtually leaving only roads and parks for smokers to light up.
