Deadline for mandatory gory pictures on cigarette packs shifted; NGO moves SC

The NGO ‘Health for Millions,’ has moved the Supreme Court challenging
the government’s decision to shift the mandatory depiction of gory pictures
about smoking on cigarette packs, from June 1 to December 1 this year.

The Cigarette and Other Tobacco
Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules have been delayed repeatedly and
deliberately to favour the tobacco industry, with no consideration to enable
consumers to take an informed decision to consume tobacco products after being
warned about their implications to their health, the NGO said.

It added that the government’s decision to shift
the deadline, which was handed down on May 17, is insensitive.

In its filing before the court, the NGO said the
new decision contravenes the right to life of citizens under Article 21 of the
Constitution and the right to information under Article 19.