Bombay High Court Suggests: A Temporary Ban On Cigarettes, Bidis If Fatal

Name of the Case

Sneha Marjadi v. State of Maharashtra and Ors.

PIL Background

• A PIL was filed by the petitioner highlighting the shortage of oxygen and other medical facilities required for the treatment of the deadly virus – Covid-19.
• The petitioner had requested monitoring of procurement of Remedisvir and other medical drugs for the treatment of infected people.

Suggestions

• The Court expressed that the scarcity should not have been there in the first place but was optimistic that productions would rise.
• The Court also suggested web portals for ensuring availability of beds for patients.
• The State government had suggested for permitting more laboratories for RT-PCR tests to reduce the burden.
• The CJ of Bombay High Court observed that smoking works as a contribution to the disease and the Advocate General replied in negative when questioned on any study regarding the same.
• The Advocate Dhruti stated that studies from foreign countries suggest that tobacco and smoking were responsible for worsening the condition of the patients.

Observation of the Court

• The Court was of the opinion that banning tobacco products should be considered temporarily so that people stop consuming those products.
• The Court ordered for a study on the same including data on the deceased smoker being smokers or not.

What is your opinion on use of tobacco and smoking? Tell us in the section below.