Karnataka HC upholds ban on hookah products
Bengaluru, Apr 22: In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has upheld the state government's notification banning sale, consumption, storage, advertisement and promotion of all types of hookah products within the state. The decision came following the rejection of a batch of petitions challenging the government's ban, which was deemed necessary due to concerns over fire hazards, public health, and safety
A single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna, after hearing arguments from both sides, had reserved judgment on March 11.
According to the government notification, hookah bars have been identified as potential causes of fire hazards and violations of state fire control and safety laws.
Additionally, the consumption of hookah in establishments such as hotels, bars, and restaurants poses risks to food safety and public health, further justifying the ban.
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Advocate General K Shashi Kiran Shetty emphasised the ban was issued in the public interest and is supported by relevant legislation, including the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, Child Care and Protection Act 2015, Food Safety and Quality Act 2006, Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules 2015, Indian Penal Code, and Fire Control and Fire Protection Act.
Shetty argued that the absence of designated areas for serving hookah in establishments raises concerns, as full-service Hookah bars operate without proper regulation.
He contended that designated areas should only be allocated for dining purposes, not for smoking activities.
However, the petitioners contended the COTPA Act allows for designated smoking areas and does not support a blanket ban on hookah products.
They argued that as long as regulations are followed, hookah consumption can be done safely without posing a threat to public health.
One petitioner raised the issue of herbal hookah, citing Section 3(b) of the COTPA Act, which defines cigarettes as containing tobacco.
The petitioner questioned the justification for banning herbal hookah products that do not contain tobacco or nicotine, arguing against a blanket prohibition.
Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the constitutional implications of the ban.
The petitioners argued that it infringes upon Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, as well as Article 19(1)(g), which protects the right to carry out business activities.
Despite these arguments, the High Court maintained the ban on hookah products, ruling against the petitions challenging its validity.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
