Home Ministry asks states to enforce ban on e-cigarette

New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Home Ministry has written to the states for enforcement of prohibition on e-cigarettes done through an ordinance issued in September.

In a letter to Chief Secretaries and Director General of Police (DGP) of all states and Union Territories, the Home Ministry has asked to ensure enforcement of the ban and other provisions of the ordinance, considering the deleterious impact of e-cigarettes on public health, especially in respect of the young population going to schools and colleges.

"Further, congruent capacity building and sensitization of the enforcement personnel may be done for effective implementation of the ordinance", the letter said.

The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019 was promulgated on September 18 for banning the production, sale and purchase of electronic cigarettes in the interest of public health.

Sections 4 and 5 of the ordinance provide for prohibition of e-cigarettes while sections 7 and 8 prescribe the punishment for contravention of the provisions.

The ordinance empowers police officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector and above and other officers as stipulated, with powers to enter, search and seize the prohibited items, without warrant under Section 6.