1)
the country is spending approximately Rs. 30,000 crore annually in both public and private health sectors to treat tobacco-related illness.
This expenditure, accounts for roughly 25 per cent of public spending on health.
2) it is the legislature's responsibility to make laws against tobacco use,
3) in 2014
The Supreme Court had issued notice to the government and all the States on a public interest litigation (PIL) for a complete ban on cigarettes and beedis and stringent punishment for smokers.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha, Justices Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Nariman directed the government to respond on the petition showing that the country is spending approximately Rs. 30,000 crore annually in both public and private health sectors to treat tobacco-related illness.
4) ) In A.K.Roy vs. Union of India [(1982) 1 SCC 271], a Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court held that it is not for the Court to compel the Government to do that which, according to the mandate of the Parliament, lies in its discretion to do when it considers it opportune to do it. The executive is responsible to the Parliament.
5) Further, in State of Jammu and Kashmir vs. Zakki [1992 Supp. (1) SCC 548], it has been held that a writ of mandamus cannot be issued to the Legislature to enact a particular legislation
6) we say that prohibition of sale and distribution of loose cigarettes cannot be ordered by the Courts, as it is for the Union of India and the State Governments and other authorities to take a decision in the matter and accordingly, to take measures.
7) the Allahabad High Court expressed that the Legislature and the executive while considering any further policy with regard to tobacco consumption "shall act in a manner not governed by sole concern for revenue but shall also pay due attention to the health of the general public. We have no difficulty in observing and directing the State Authorities to spend a reasonable good amount of money to spread awareness amongst the masses, particularly the younger generation including students regarding the ill effects of tobacco consumption. Public awareness of the evil arising from tobacco consumption and public taking care of its ill effects is more effective than mere formulation of law and rules."