Thu Jan 23 03:51:04 IST 2025: ## Delhi High Court Rejects Plea to Ban Tobacco Sales Near Temples
**New Delhi, January 23, 2025** – The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on the sale and consumption of tobacco products near religious sites. The court, in an order dated January 15th, stated that existing legislation, the Cigarette and other Tobacco Product (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act), provides sufficient mechanisms for addressing such violations. Authorities are responsible for enforcing these laws, the court ruled.
The PIL, filed by Abhimanyu Sharma, argued that the sale of tobacco near temples and other religious structures desecrated these places of worship. Sharma also requested a ban on vendors selling tobacco from also selling other goods. However, the court deemed the petition unnecessary, asserting that if violations of the 2003 tobacco act occur, the relevant authorities are already empowered to take action.
First Piper 