The Tripura Human Rights Commission has initiated action over widespread smoking in public places, expressing serious concern about its harmful impact on public health and the environment. 

On September 20, 2025, the Commission took suo motu cognizance after observing that many smokers were openly violating public health norms by smoking in public areas, causing discomfort, air pollution, and exposing non-smokers to risks such as lung cancer and heart disease. The Commission noted that such acts effectively deprive the general public of clean air.

Following this, the Commission sought a report from the Tripura State Pollution Control Board regarding steps taken to curb air pollution caused by public smoking. In its response dated October 9, 2025, the Board clarified that matters relating to smoking in public places do not fall within its jurisdiction.

After reviewing the reply, the Commission examined the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. The Commission highlighted that Section 4 of the Act explicitly prohibits smoking in public places, except in designated smoking zones in hotels with at least 30 rooms, restaurants with a seating capacity of 30 or more, and airports. The Act also contains strict regulations on advertising, sale to minors, and packaging warnings, while Section 21 prescribes penalties for violating the public-smoking ban.

Considering the seriousness of the issue and the need for proper enforcement of the law, the Commission directed the Director General of Police, Tripura, to submit a detailed report on actions taken by the police to implement the Act across the state. The DGP’s report has been ordered to be submitted within three weeks.

The matter has been listed for the next hearing on December 2, 2025.

The order was issued by Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the Tripura Human Rights Commission.