SRINAGAR: The district administration in Bandipora, north Kashmir, has issued a public notice prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors and mandating strict compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Issued by the office of the District Magistrate, the notice reiterates that the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited, along with their sale within 100 yards of educational institutions.
All shopkeepers, vendors, retailers and distributors have been directed to install statutory warning boards within 15 days and to verify the age of buyers using valid government-issued photo identity cards before selling tobacco products.
The administration has also ordered the immediate cessation of employment of persons under 18 in any tobacco-related trade or activity.
It further instructed that tobacco products must not be sold in the vicinity of schools and other educational institutions, and that warning messages must be prominently displayed at all points of sale.
Citing Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the notice stated that supplying or selling tobacco to children is a punishable offence, carrying imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
It added that police will register FIRs if any child is found in possession of or under the influence of tobacco products intended for sale.
The administration warned that strict action will be taken under the provisions of COTPA, 2003, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in cases of non-compliance.
