Nagpur: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, shedding light on the prevalent black market sale of gutkha in the state of Maharashtra, despite its ban. The PIL, filed by social activist Dr. Moin Deshmukh from Amravati, raises concerns over the illegal sale and distribution of gutkha within the state.
Advocate Parvez Mirza, representing the petitioner, presented the case before the High Court, urging for detailed additional information and an affidavit. After considering the petition, the High Court issued notices to various respondents, including the State Government’s Home Department, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Collector of Amravati, Commissioner of Police, and other concerned authorities.
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The PIL draws attention to the ban imposed by the Maharashtra State Government on the production, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, scented tobacco, supari, and kharra. The initial ban on tobacco-based gutkha production and sale was implemented in 2013, and since then, the gutkha notification has been annually renewed by the FDA.
However, the petitioner alleges that despite the ban, the sale of gutkha remains rampant in Amravati, with significant quantities of these products being smuggled into Maharashtra from Madhya Pradesh. Numerous warehouses in the Amravati district are reportedly storing these prohibited goods. The petitioner claims to have lodged complaints with the Joint Commissioner of FDA and the local police, in addition to notifying the Chief Minister, the Guardian Minister of Amravati, and the District Collector about the administration’s failure to strictly enforce the gutkha ban.
In response to the PIL, some defendants have submitted replies to the High Court, asserting that actions are being taken to address the issue. However, the petitioner has raised concerns about the continued availability of gutkha and other banned substances in the market, despite these assurances.
The High Court has acknowledged that several defendants are yet to submit their replies, indicating a delay in the legal process. Dr. Moin Deshmukh, the social activist who filed the PIL, along with Advocate Mirza, is actively presenting arguments in the High Court.
The PIL serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge posed by the illegal gutkha trade in Maharashtra. It calls for stringent enforcement of the ban to curb the black market sale and protect public health. The High Court’s involvement in this matter reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to address the issue effectively.
