Bhopal: In response to escalating concerns over substance abuse among youngsters and minors, Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar on Friday issued an order prohibiting the sale of rolling papers, empty cigarette tubes, smoking cones, and similar products within the city limits. The Times of India had previously highlighted this issue and brought it to the attention of senior police officials.
Legal Basis and Duration of the Ban
The order, enacted under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain effective for two months unless revoked earlier. Any violation of the directive will attract penal action under relevant provisions, including Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Reasons Behind the Prohibition
According to the order, inputs received through social media platforms, public representations, and feedback from civil society groups indicated that minors and youths were increasingly using such items to consume narcotic substances like charas and ganja. These products, readily available at paan shops, grocery stores, and tea stalls, enable users to conveniently store, conceal, and consume drugs.
Police also flagged serious health concerns linked to these products, stating that they often contain harmful substances such as titanium oxide, potassium nitrate, artificial dyes, calcium carbonate, and chlorine bleach, posing significant risks to human health.
Impact on Law and Order
Police noted that the easy accessibility of these items has contributed to a growing tendency of substance abuse among minors, which in turn is leading to an increase in crimes committed under the influence of drugs, threatening both individual safety and public order. "In view of the adverse impact on law and order as well as public health, it has become necessary to immediately prohibit the sale of such products from easily accessible outlets," the order stated.
Implementation and Exceptions
The directive has been implemented with immediate effect. However, individuals or organizations seeking any relaxation in the order may submit a formal application to the issuing authority, which will be considered on its merits.
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