Ranchi : President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to a key amendment bill passed by the Jharkhand government, significantly increasing penalties for smoking or spitting tobacco in public places across the state. With the presidential nod, the fine for such violations has now been raised fivefold — from ₹200 to ₹1,000.
The bill, titled the “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Jharkhand Amendment) Bill, 2021”, was passed by the Jharkhand Assembly in March 2021 during the budget session. It had been pending presidential approval, which has now been granted.
According to the Jharkhand Raj Bhavan’s media cell, the bill was sent to the President for approval through the state Governor and has now been officially sanctioned, clearing the path for its implementation as law.
Key Highlights of the New Law:
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Fine Increased: Smoking or spitting tobacco in public spaces will now attract a ₹1,000 fine, up from the previous ₹200.
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Underage Restriction: Individuals under the age of 21 will neither be allowed to buy nor sell any tobacco products.
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100-Meter Rule: Sale and purchase of tobacco products will be prohibited within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, health centers, public offices, and courts.
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Ban on Loose Cigarette Sale: The sale of individual cigarettes from open packs will now be banned in the state.
The amendment aims to curb public health risks associated with tobacco and secondhand smoke, especially in densely populated or sensitive areas. The move is in line with the state government’s larger anti-tobacco initiative, which previously included a proposal to ban hookah bars in Jharkhand. Violation of the hookah bar ban could lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
The original bill was tabled by then Health Minister Banna Gupta, and although some legislators, such as Lambodar Mahto of the AJSU party, had proposed a higher fine of ₹10,000 during the legislative debate, the suggestion was not accepted.
With the law now in force, Jharkhand joins a growing list of Indian states taking strong legislative steps toward tobacco control and public hygiene.
