Initiated steps to ban e-cigarettes: Delhi govt to HC
What's the story
Delhi government has informed the Delhi HC that it has initiated steps to completely ban the production, sale, and supply of e-cigarettes.
In an affidavit, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said preparation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine was contrary to provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The bench was hearing a plea seeking to regulate the sale and consumption of e-cigarettes.
Nicotine preparation
Only certain kind of nicotine preparation allowed under DCA: DGHS
The DGHS said that only a certain kind of nicotine preparation is allowed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA).
Electronic, vapor, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-cigarettes, and e-liquids do not fall in the categories of preparations that are allowed under the Act.
"Therefore, the trade, commerce, production, supply, and distribution of these substances would be prohibited under the DCA," it said.
What?
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are hand-held devices which help to create the feeling of tobacco smoking.
Various makers of the device say the e-liquid inside the device heats up when activated and creates an aerosolized vapor which provides a flavor similar to tobacco.
The bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar has listed the matter for hearing on August 21.
Regulations
Petitioner seeks a policy on e-cigarettes
The court was hearing a plea filed by Seema Sehgal, a homemaker, who has sought directions to formulate a policy on e-cigarettes.
The petition has said the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003, which governs the tobacco consumption law, does not provide for the use of e-liquids containing nicotine.
Adverse effects
DGHS takes steps to spread awareness about e-cigarettes' adverse effects
DGHS said the petition was infructuous in relation to the DGHS as it has already initiated the process for banning these substances and is already taking steps to spread awareness about their adverse effects.
Earlier, Health Ministry had told the court that nicotine addiction through e-cigarettes may lead young generation to try conventional tobacco products and it was considering a ban on the item.