Bihar: Rs 200 fine for use of tobacco item in public places

TNN | Updated: Apr 14, 2020, 11:38 IST

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PATNA: State health department on Monday banned consumption of any tobacco product in public place. Those violating this order will be fined Rs200 or sentenced to six months in jail or both.
An order in this regard was issued by principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar to contain the spread of communicable diseases, especially amid Covid-19 outbreak. “Spitting risks public health and also spreads communicable diseases. Those who consume tobacco are in the habit of spitting here and there. Spitting could further spread diseases like coronavirus, encephalitis, tuberculosis and swine flu,” a press release issued by Sanjay said. In the time of epidemic, if anyone found intentionally violating the order will be punished under section 268 and 269 of IPC.
As per the press release, “Consumption of any kind of tobacco product, including cigarette, khaini, gutka or pan masala, is prohibited in all government and non-government offices, educational institutes and police stations.”