National Restaurant Association of India & Anr Vs The State of West Bengal and Ors
Date-24/01/2023
Sub-In the absence of any rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 [for short “COTP Act 2003”] neither the Kolkata Municipal Corporation nor the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation can pass orders against use of Hookahs in bars and restaurants having a valid licence. The Court in view of this and the fact that both the State and Central Government earn huge revenues from sale of tobacco products that are lawfully sold in this country quashed the directions issued in this regard until an Act is enacted in this regard.

Thus , now hookah bars will open again for members of public in West Bengal.

Ramesh Patodia
26-01-2023