President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill 2021, which was previously passed by the Jharkhand Assembly. As a result, anyone found smoking in public in Jharkhand will be subject to a fine of ₹1,000. The fine amount has increased significantly, rising from the previous ₹200. The state government had been working to get this bill approved. The bill will soon be implemented across the state.
The bill, which was passed by the Jharkhand Assembly, was sent to the President for approval through the Governor. The Raj Bhavan Secretariat released a press note detailing the new fine structure. The press note additionally mentioned that selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 21 is now a punishable offense. The Hemant Soren government passed the amendment bill in March 2021.
The bill also includes clauses prohibiting the consumption of tobacco products in public spaces, in addition to making the sale of tobacco to those under 21 a punishable offense. Prior to this, the Jharkhand Cabinet had already approved a proposition to ban hookah bars, and those who violate this ban can face either imprisonment or a fine that could reach ₹1 lakh.