delhi-hc-orders-centre-to-address-illegal-hookah-sales

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the central government to treat a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as a formal representation regarding the illegal sale of hookahs and their variants on e-commerce platforms. This order came in response to concerns that these products are being sold without the necessary health warnings.

 

The court set a deadline of three months for the Centre to address the issue and issue appropriate directives. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and including Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, pointed out that the petitioner, Jagat Mitra Foundation, had not first approached the relevant authorities before filing the plea.

 

The court suggested that if the petitioner remains unsatisfied with the authorities' response, they should pursue further legal action. The Delhi High Court instructed the Centre to handle the PIL as a formal representation and to take necessary actions in accordance with existing laws.

 

The court noted that statutory regulations concerning hookahs are not being adequately enforced and called for the Centre to establish a clear and standardised procedure.

 

The petitioner argued that the consumption of hookahs in public poses significant health risks. These include the dangers of second-hand smoke and the potential spread of communicable diseases.

 

The unregulated sale of tobacco products online was also criticised as a violation of public health rights. The petitioner urged the court to implement a regulatory mechanism to address these concerns.

 

The focus of the PIL is on the lack of health warnings associated with online hookah sales and the absence of regulation in this sector. The petitioner believes that the current oversight is insufficient and that a more robust framework is needed to ensure public health and safety.

 

By directing the Centre to act on these issues, the Delhi High Court aims to address the growing concern over the sale and consumption of hookahs, particularly on digital platforms where such products are often sold without proper regulation.

 

The court's decision underscores the importance of enforcing existing health and safety laws and ensuring that all products sold to the public adhere to statutory requirements.