SC ‘no’ to smaller pictorial warnings on tobacco packets

The Supreme Court has directed all tobacco companies to implement the rule mandating 85% pictorial warnings on packets of tobacco products. The court has also directed all petitions challenging the rule at various courts to be transferred and heard afresh by the Karnataka high court. The apex court has set a deadline of eight weeks to dispose of the matter.

• The court also said in the public interest, tobacco companies should act responsibly, adding any awareness created on the issue would help curb the ill effects of tobacco.

Background:

A notification by the health ministry on 24 September 2015 for implementation of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Amendment Rules, 2014 came into force on 1 April. It prescribed larger pictorial petitions, covering 85% of the size of the packets of tobacco products, including cigarettes and beedis.