Want to light a cigarette at a public place, think twice. The Delhi Police have decided to strictly enforce a fine of Rs. 200 on smoking in public places.
As per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, smoking in public places is banned and those who violate the law will be slapped a fine of Rs. 200.
“We will fine those who smoke in public spaces in the Capital under COTPA. When you are smoking in a public space, you are not only endangering your own but even other people’s lives,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), P Kamraj, who released the COTPA guideline booklet here on Saturday.
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The Delhi Police collaborated with two city-based NGOs, Sambandh Health Foundation and Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), to save future generations from ill-effects of tobacco. The campaign is supported by Max India Foundation.
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“Police can play a role in reversing this largest reversible cause of death and disease. The Delhi Police will take action on COTPA—2003. Police force itself suffers from usage of tobacco. We will educate owners of public places such as educational institutes, malls, coffee shops, restaurants, bars and other organisations. The police is committed to enforcing COTPA and making the Capital a model city,” Mr. Kamraj said.
Dr Harit Chaturvedi, VoTV patron and Chairman Max Oncology, said “I am seeing younger and younger patients coming to my OPD with tobacco-related cancers. Support from Delhi Police is commendable”. — PTI
As per the COTPA 2003, smoking in public places can invite a fine of
Rs. 200