The Lok Sabha held discussion on the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to prohibit the production, trade, transport, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes. The Bill defines electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as electronic devices that heat a substance which may contain nicotine and other chemicals, to create vapour for inhalation.
Any person who contravenes this provision will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both. For any subsequent offence, the person will be punishable with an imprisonment of up to three years, along with a fine of up to five lakh rupees.
Initiating the discussion, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress questioned as to why the government brought legislation aiming to ban only e-cigarettes while conventional and traditional cigarettes are being sold with impunity.
Varun Gandhi of BJP supported the bill and said that e-cigarettes have become what he called a giant gateway drug for the youth, which is worrisome. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will reply to the debate on the bill today.
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