The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday asked the city administration to get the notification of banning operation of hookah bars in the city done at the earliest.
During the hearing of a petition by a non-government organisation (NGO), Burning Brain Society, the HC was told that in spite of the court asking the administration to notify a ban on sale of nicotine-laced tobacco products in Hukkah bars last year in July, it was yet to be done.
During the hearing on Thursday, the HC pulled up the administration and told it to get it done as soon as possible. The court last week had summoned the home secretary, senior superintendent of police and director of the health department, who were present in the court.
The administration told the HC that the draft notification had been sent to the home ministry for the necessary action. However, it was yet to be notified. The HC asked the home secretary to make personal efforts and get it done as the issue involved youngsters.
The HC also asked the SSP why police could not procure forensic lab reports of samples collected from various commercial establishments and observed that administration should think of having its own forensic laboratory.
{{/usCountry}}The HC also asked the SSP why police could not procure forensic lab reports of samples collected from various commercial establishments and observed that administration should think of having its own forensic laboratory.
{{/usCountry}}The HC was also dissatisfied with the report given by the Haryana government on hookah bars and asked the drug controller of the state to remain present during the next hearing on March 3.
The HC had summoned the city top brass as it came to light that despite court orders, the notification on same was yet to be done.