Is ban on Hookah bars under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) effective in controlling the menace: A case study from Punjab, India

摘要

Background: Hookah is a waterpipe used for smoking Tobacco. Hookah smoking usually delivers a relatively huge amount Nicotine, a highly addictive and cancer-causing chemical. Till date there is no National level legal provision to ban Hookah bars running in various states of country. Section 144 of CrPC, Which gives power to District authorities to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance of apprehended danger to human life, health or safety can impose a ban on hookah bars if promulgated. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of CrPC for shutting down of Hookah bars in the state of Punjab. Methods: This legal intervention approach was conducted during the period of April 2013 to May 2018. In 2013, Punjab Government instructed the Deputy Commissioners of state to promulgate section 144 of CrPC against the hookah bars. Health Advisory in public interest was also issued regarding ill effects of Hookah use. Permanent Task force was constituted to ensure strict enforcement of Law. Results: Total 25 Hookah bars have been shut down in the State. FIRs have been lodged against Hookah bar owners by the Police department under section 144 of CrPC. Since then, no complaint regarding a functional Hookah/Sheesha bar has been received anywhere in Punjab. Conclusions: Orders of Section 144 of CrPC are subject to renewal every 2 months which is a short-term solutions thus, Tobacco control Act of India should be amended to include permanent on ban Hookah Bars in the State. Funding: National Tobacco Control Programme, Punjab.