The Delhi High Court directed the central government to take immediate action against the illegal online sale of hookahs without health warnings. The court treated the PIL as a representation and ordered authorities to pass an order within three months.
Court Criticizes PIL Filing Process
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan criticized the petitioner, Jagatmitra Foundation, for filing the PIL without first contacting the relevant authorities. The court advised the petitioner to file a proper petition if unsatisfied with the authorities’ decision. The court emphasized the issue’s importance and urged authorities to address it promptly. It said, “This matter involves statutory provisions that are not being implemented. Identify the responsible agency and establish a standard procedure.”
Petition Demands Government Action
The PIL urged the Central Government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to crack down on the illegal online sale of hookahs without proper health warnings. It also called for regulations on online hookah sales and the introduction of an age-verification system. The petition warned that secondhand smoke from hookahs in public places poses serious health risks.
Advocate Highlights Public Health Concern
Advocate Gaurav Aggarwal, representing the petitioner foundation, stressed that the issue is a major public health concern. He argued that the public should not be exposed to harmful secondhand smoke.
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