Times News NetworkJaipur: Rajasthan High Court has sought details from the state govt on the action taken against people involved in the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes in Jaipur.The court has specifically asked the govt to inform it about the steps taken against those engaged in the e-cigarette business up to Sept 15. The matter has been posted for hearing after two weeks.A division bench comprising Justice Inderjeet Singh and Justice Sandeep Taneja issued the interim directions on Sept 15, a copy of which was uploaded Saturday while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Priyansha Gupta.The latest direction follows a series of earlier directions issued by the HC to ensure effective implementation of the law governing e-cigarettes. The court emphasised the need to effectively control the online sale of e-cigarettes, particularly in view of concerns over their availability to young people.The petitioner alleged that several websites were openly selling e-cigarettes online. The petitioner contended that the state lacked an effective mechanism to monitor and prevent such sales. The plea further stated that some websites were claiming to deliver e-cigarettes within 24 hours, raising questions about the availability of local storage or distribution facilities.As part of its earlier directions, the HC had asked the director general of police (DGP) to constitute a team of officers representing the police range headquarters. The team was directed to take coordinated steps to ensure complete implementation of the relevant legal provisions and action against violations.The court had also directed the chief secretary to ensure enforcement at the district level by appointing authorised officers of the rank of collector or deputy collector in every district. These officers were to oversee implementation of the law and take necessary action against the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.The case will come up for further hearing after two weeks.
