HC orders crackdown on DU smoking dens

Are you a student of Delhi University who frequents one of the many “smoking dens” in the campus or hostel premises to enjoy a cigarette? Then be careful.

Are you a student of Delhi University who frequents one of the many “smoking dens” in the campus or hostel premises to enjoy a cigarette? Then be careful.

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The Delhi high court has directed the Delhi Police to crackdown on such dens. The matter was brought to attention of the court through a public interest litigation filed by an NGO, World Lung Foundation, which submitted a list of 16 such areas in DU’s North Campus and demanded action.

The bench headed by acting chief justice AK Sikri said that sale of tobacco products such as cigarettes, pan and gutka has continued near schools and colleges despite a ban on their sale within 100 yards of any educational institution. “This cannot be allowed. Take action,” Justice Sikri told Najmi Waziri, the standing counsel for Delhi Police.

The NGO has identified smoking dens near Law Faculty, Delhi School of Economics, Miranda House Hostel, PG Men’s Hostel and Maurice Nagar Bus stand.