“In view of above, while tabaco is undoubtedly harmful and the concerned authorities are seized of the remedial action, the Tribunal is mainly concerned with the manner of disposal of cigarette/bidi butts. An expert study has been conducted. We do not find any valid reason to reject the expert report. Accordingly, we direct that the CPCB may lay down guidelines for disposal of cigarette/bidi butts, in the interest of environment, within three months.”
Doctors for You v. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Doctors for You v. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, No. 433/2015, National Green Tribunal (2020).
- India
- Sep 9, 2020
- National Green Tribunal
Parties
Legislation Cited
International/Regional Instruments Cited
Related Documents
Type of Litigation
Tobacco Control Topics
Substantive Issues
Type of Tobacco Product
“Smokeless tobacco is being used by about 300 million or about 26% of the Indian population and majority of them spit it in public places Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), India: Ministry of Health, Government of India, 2009-2010. Spitting of such saliva in a public place contributes in spreading of several communicable diseases e.g. Tuberculosis, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Avian-Flu, Pneumonia and gastrointestinal-diseases, thus endangering the life of persons visiting a public place.”
Doctors for You sought to declare cigarettes and bidi butts as toxic waste and to prohibit tobacco consumption in any form in all public places. After reviewing a report prepared by the Indian Institute of Toxicological Research on the toxicity of cigarette and bidi butts, the National Green Tribunal directed the Central Pollution Control Board to establish guidelines for disposal of cigarette and bidi butts in the interest of environment.