The next time you sell loose cigarettes in Uttar Pradesh, mind it! You might land yourself in jail. Selling loose cigarettes in UP has been banded with immediate effect.
Manufacturing and sale of loose cigarettes would now invite a fine and a prison sentence, according to the orders issued by Principal Secretary (health) Arvind Kumar.
The state cabinet approved the move last week and with Governor Ram Naik signing an ordinance, the health department issued orders to the effect late on Tuesday.
The New Law
As per the new law, anybody found selling loose cigarettes would be face a fine of Rs 1,000 and serve a one-year jail term. Any individual violating the law for a second consecutive occasion would face a fine of Rs 3,000 and serve a three-year jail term.
Meanwhile, anybody caught manufacturing loose cigarettes will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and serve a five-year jail term.
Official said, in a bid to stop deadliest diseases like cancer and tuberculosis, they had to put this rule in place.