SC warns for smoking on premises, not fined

The Supreme Court has admitted that despite some people smoking in its premises no person has so far been fined for violating the law in the precincts of the country's highest court.

The Supreme Court has admitted that despite some people smoking in its premises no person has so far been fined for violating the law in the precincts of the country's highest court.

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However, those found smoking in the Supreme Court premises were let off with a warning, Additional Registrar Raj Pal Arora said in response to a query under the RTI Act from advocate Balraj Singh Mallik.

"Till date, no person has been challenged/fined in the Supreme Court premises for smoking. However, in a few cases, persons found smoking assured not to smoke in future and were left with warning," the apex court said in its response.

The applicant had earlier sought details on the number of persons fined/challaned under Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, production, supply and distribution) Amendment Act 2008.

Under the amended Act, there is a ban on smoking in public places/private workplaces and empowers the authorities concerned to impose fine ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.