Ramadoss Moves SC Against Delhi HC Order Of Lifting Ban On Smoking Scene

Ramadoss Moves SC Against Delhi HC Order Of Lifting Ban On Smoking Scene Dated:18-02-2009 Source: UNI DELHI: Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court judgment on lifting ban on smoking scenes in movies. The petition filed by Union Government in the apex court cited World Health Organisation(WHO) data confirming that 72 per cent teenagers start smoking because they were encouraged by smoking scenes in the movies. Leading Hindi film producer Mahesh Bhatt had earlier challenged the Centre’s order banning smoking in the films. The Delhi High Court, in its judgment dated January 23 had allowed the petition holding that ban on smoking scenes in the movies amounted to violation of fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression. Mr Ramadoss in his petition has made it clear that he was not against any actor but the ban was imposed in public interest. According to the petition, lakhs of people die every year due to smoking and passive smoking was also the major cause of diseases like cancer in the country. The Union Government had banned smoking in public places with effect from October two last year. The apex court bench headed by Justice B N Agarwal has refused to stay the operation of the government order banning smoking in public places. The Union Government in his petition has also prayed to the apex court to stay the operation of impugned order of the Delhi High Court till the final disposal of the petition filed by the Union Health Minister. The petition is likely to be mentioned before the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing.

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