Puffing above the law - The Tribune
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faces legal scrutiny after vaping in the IPL dressing room, highlighting India's strict e-cigarette ban under PECA 2019.Summary
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag found himself at the center of a legal storm after being filmed vaping in the team dressing room during an IPL match against Punjab Kings. This incident has brought the spotlight back on India's comprehensive prohibition of electronic cigarettes, established by the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA 2019). The legislation represents a complete ban on the industry, prohibiting the manufacturing, importing, transporting, selling, storing, and advertising of e-cigarettes. The law defines an e-cigarette broadly as any battery-powered device that heats a substance to produce an inhalable aerosol, covering e-hookahs and heat-not-burn products, with only licensed medicinal devices exempt. The penalties are severe, with first-time offenders facing up to one year in jail or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, and repeat offenders facing up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. The government justified the total ban based on health concerns raised by the World Health Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research, specifically regarding the rapid adoption of these devices by young people. The article also notes the relevance of this topic for UPSC aspirants, covering public health legislation, regulatory design, and the accountability of public figures.
(Source：The Tribune)
