Government of India has taken a giant leap in taking a strategic decision which will have a very long lasting result - to ban cigarette smoking in all public places across the country. To make it more meaningful, the term “Public Place” also has been defined in the Act. If not sticking to the letter, but the spirit, now every place where two or more are gathered will be termed as a public place. To make the smokers cheer up, a nominal clause is added in the law that a hotel or office space including airports having more than 30 staff can allow smoking in its premises, provided that there should be a dedicated enclosure for smoking.

The new law is coming in force with effect from October 02, 2008, the day which is commemorated as birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. I express my complete solidarity to the new law and believe that this can be one of the best birth day gifts the Nation can give to its father.

Dr. Devasia