The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Abhimanyu Sharma, a Mandir Pujari, which sought restrictions on the sale of tobacco products near temples.
The PIL also called for a ban on vendors selling tobacco from offering any other goods in temple vicinities.
The petition was heard by a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who observed that the court did not find it appropriate to intervene in the matter. He stated, “We do not consider it apposite to issue any orders in this regard.” The court emphasized that the concerned authorities were responsible for taking necessary actions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
In his PIL, Sharma expressed concerns about the sale of tobacco products near religious sites, arguing that such practices were inappropriate and offensive to devotees and temple-goers. He urged the court to restrict the sale of tobacco and other items around temples to preserve the sanctity of these religious spaces.
However, the Delhi High Court refrained from issuing specific directions, clarifying that enforcing such regulations fell within the jurisdiction of the relevant authorities, who are tasked with implementing the existing laws.
The court specifically pointed to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, which governs the sale and advertisement of tobacco products in India, suggesting that any action regarding the sale of tobacco near temples should be handled in accordance with these regulations.
