The Madras High Court on Friday sought responses from the Central and Tamil Nadu governments regarding a plea demanding strict implementation of the Tobacco Free Educational Institution guidelines in all schools and the establishment of child tobacco cessation centres in every district across the state.
Petition Filed by Advocate
A division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate R Manibharathi. The petitioner highlighted that tobacco products, including cigarettes and khaini (smokeless tobacco), are readily available near educational institutions, necessitating urgent attention and collective action from authorities. Despite a ban on smokeless tobacco products by the Tamil Nadu government, they remain easily accessible in petty shops.
Previous Court Directions
The petitioner noted that a single bench of the High Court in 2024 had issued several directions to the Centre and state, including the establishment of child tobacco cessation centres in all districts staffed with experts to counsel and treat addicted children. The court had also directed the state to form two-member tobacco monitoring committees in every school to periodically inspect school premises and their vicinity, reporting any evidence of tobacco use or sales to children to the police or food safety officer. Additionally, oral and dental health checks for all students were mandated at least twice per academic year to detect tobacco or nicotine stains.
Representations Ignored
The petitioner stated that he had submitted representations urging immediate steps to implement these guidelines in all schools and set up child tobacco cessation centres in all districts as per the 2024 court order. Since no action was taken, he moved the court seeking intervention.
