The Supreme Court recently issued a notice on the Tamil Nadu government’s plea against the Madras High Court’s order on a ban on Gutka. The Madras High Court had earlier directed the state government to enforce a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of Gutka in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, challenging the Madras High Court’s order, on the grounds that it would result in huge revenue losses and unemployment. The state also argued that the Gutka ban would result in the growth of the black market and smuggling of the banned substance.
However, the Supreme Court has now issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government, seeking a response on the matter. The court has also requested the state government to explain why it has not implemented the ban on Gutka despite the Madras High Court’s order.
Gutka is a type of chewing tobacco that is popular in many parts of India. The substance contains a mixture of tobacco, areca nut, slaked lime, and other additives, and is known to be highly addictive and hazardous to health. Gutka is linked to a high prevalence of oral cancer, heart diseases, and other health issues.
The Madras High Court had earlier taken a strong stance against the use of Gutka and had directed the state government to enforce a complete ban on the substance. The court had noted that Gutka was a major health hazard and that its consumption should not be allowed to continue.
The Tamil Nadu government, however, had contested the ban, arguing that the state would suffer revenue losses and economic damage if Gutka was banned. The government had also claimed that the ban would increase smuggling and black marketing of the substance.
The Supreme Court’s decision to issue a notice on the appeal has raised concerns among health activists, who argue that the ban on Gutka is necessary to protect people’s health. The Supreme Court’s decision is also seen as a setback to the fight against tobacco use in the country.
India has taken significant steps in recent years to curb the use of tobacco and tobacco products. In 2013, the government had enacted a law that mandated pictorial warnings on cigarette packets, showing the harmful effects of smoking. The law also mandated a ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
In 2017, the government had also increased the taxes on tobacco products, making them more expensive and less accessible to users. These measures had resulted in a decline in tobacco use in the country, especially among young people.
However, the ban on Gutka has been a contentious issue in many states, with the tobacco lobby opposing the ban and trying to find ways around it. Despite the challenges, some states have taken a strong stance against Gutka, with many declaring a complete ban on the substance.
Gutka is one of the major causes of oral cancer in the country, and its use has been linked to a significant rise in cancer cases in recent years. The Madras High Court’s order on the ban was seen as a significant step towards protecting public health, and a reversal of the ban could have severe implications for the health of the people.
The Supreme Court’s notice on the Tamil Nadu government’s plea has now raised concerns about the future of the ban on Gutka. Health activists have called on the court to uphold the ban and protect public health, even if it means some economic costs to the state.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s notice on the Tamil Nadu government’s plea against the Madras High Court’s order on the ban on Gutka has stirred up controversy and raised questions about the future of the fight against tobacco in the country. The ban on Gutka is an important measure to protect public health, and it is essential that the state government complies with the court’s order and enforces the ban. The Supreme Court will now decide on the matter, and it is hoped that the court will make the right decision to protect public health and uphold the ban on Gutka.