Maharashtra: Now spitting, smoking in public punishable with upto Rs 5,000 fine, jail term

Mumbai, May 30, 2020: In the context of Coronavirus pandemic, Maharashtra Government has taken an important decision to prevent consumption of tobacco, supari, pan-masala, gutkha and other tobacco substances; spitting and smoking in all public places. Spitting in public places will be liable to punishment in addition to a fine.

Many communicable and fatal diseases spread because of spitting in public places. Considering that a pandemic like COVID-19 also spreads through spits, this decision has been taken in public interest. To implement this decision, as per the rules of Epidemic Diseases Act, Disaster Management Act, Government has taken an important decision to prevent consumption of tobacco, supari, pan-masala, gutkha and other tobacco substances; spitting and smoking in all public places.

As per the Maharashtra Police Act, the first instance of spitting/smoking in public places will be liable to a fine of Rs 1000 and 1 day of public service. The second instance of spitting/smoking by the same person will be liable to a fine of Rs.3000 and 3 days of public service. And the third instance will be liable to Rs 5000 fine and 5 days of public service. According to the various provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), a punishment of upto 6 months, 2 years and fine or both can be asked to serve. Accordingly, a Government Resolution (GR) has been issued on 29th May 2020.

The Health Minister of the State Rajesh Tope has made an appeal that people should wholeheartedly follow this rule, thereby helping the cause of preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 and other epidemic diseases. The current count of COVID19 patients in the state of Maharashtra is 65168. Today, newly 2940 patients have been identified as positive. Also newly 1084 patients have been cured today, totally 28081 patients are cured & discharged from the hospitals. Total Active patients are 34881.