In a wake to curb coronavirus, Bihar government on Monday issued an official order to fine ₹200 or imprison a person for 6 months, if found guilty of spitting tobacco in public spaces.
The official order stated that spitting tobacco on roads can endanger public health and safety and thus is an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 268 (Public Nuisance) and 269 (Negligence that can lead to the spread of infection).
The Bihar Government has ordered all SPs and District Magistrates to ensure implementation of the government-sanctioned penalty on public spitting of tobacco. Given that 25.9% of the population consumes tobacco, it will be an uphill task to prohibit people from doing so.
“The ban on Khainee will not only decrease the ill impact on one health and society but also bring a welcome change on Bihari culture of spitting anywhere without any remorse”, a senior IAS officer was quted as saying.
Several districts in Bihar such as Vaishali, Samastipur, Champaran and Sitamarhi are the largest producers of tobacco in the State. According to the Ministry of Health, Bihar has reported 65 cases of the Chinese virus infection with 26 recoveries and 1 death.