Smoking in public is illegal in Delhi under the Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers Health Protection Act, 1996 and under the national COTPA 2003 that has taken effect since then. But violations are happening. In an incident last weekend at Connaught Place, violations were not only on the rise, but in the real universe, the problems of implementation of the law.
At Connaught Place, Delhi, a woman was seen smoking, but a female police officer approached her and asked her to stop. When the woman didn't, she pleaded to see a “No Smoking” board. “Smoking Board, please be so I have time to smoke in that area,” argued a “No Smoking” board to the officer as an excuse. The officer in question would rather say that she was not fine but that she had to show a “Smoking” board, and this kind of conversation really demonstrated how confused and unserious we treat that law.
The law makes clear: smoking in public places is prohibited. And that includes markets, offices (and their buildings), health facilities, institutions of higher education, as well as many other bodies. Violators get a ticket and police are allowed to take action. You cannot legalize smoking with a board if there is smoking in public.
Public smoking is not only a personal decision it affects everyone around you. Second-hand smoke is hazardous to children, the elderly, and those with health issues are particularly exposed. Strong enforcement would:
- Secure public health
- Reduce exposure to harmful smoke
- Make awareness for tobacco law
Connaught Place highlights the gap between law and practice. Most citizens resist enforcement, arguing with officers instead of complying. Police are reluctant in a bustling neighborhood to punish violators, and in tight spaces, there’s not enough room to monitor every smoker. When everyone does that, they can’t follow it exactly the best because, then, we cease the law.
Two things Delhi needs to do to secure non-smokers are stronger enforcement and promotion of public awareness among residents. Smoking in public is also not a good thing at all: smoking in public is still illegal that's not healthy. The law must not only be enforced by cops but police officers.
Legal smoking in public places in Delhi is banned and such instances as Connaught Place are a case of how casually the law is ignored. Violations will persist until enforcement is stiff and citizens take action. Smoking of any substance in public places is clearly prohibited: what is not clear is whether people will respect that.
