HC prohibits use of Hookah smoking in Bars, Restaurants & Cafes [Read Order]

To curb the spread of coronavirus, the Allahabad High Court has taken a suo moto action against the use of Hookah in hookas bars and restaurants situated in different cities of the Uttar Pradesh through which there is high probability of spread of Corona virus.

The Allahabad High Court has taken cognizance based on a letter petition sent by one Sri Hari Govind Dubey, a student of LLB (Integrated), Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow. By this Writ Petition, he has agitated the cause relating to spread of Corona Virus through Hookah Bars. He has prayed to restrict the service of Hookah in Hookah bars and restaurants,

The Division Bench Comprising of Justice Shashi Kant Gupta and Justice Shamim Ahmed has held that the use of hookah or waterpipe smoking should be regulated/prohibited during the present crisis to ensure restriction of COVID-19 and directed the Chief Secretary State of Uttar Pradesh to not permit the Bars, Restaurants & Cafes to serve Hookahs until further orders of this Court, with immediate effect.

“It cannot be denied that corona-virus cases are increasing day by day and in case public places such as Restaurants & Cafes are not restricted from serving Hookah with immediate effect, there might be chances of vast community spread of corona-virus cases in Uttar Pradesh”. Observed by the Court.

Case Details:

Case: - PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION (PIL) No. - 716 of 2020

Petitioner: - Suo Moto

Respondent: - State of U.P. and Others

Counsel for Petitioner: - Suo Moto

Counsel for Respondent: - C.S.C.

Bench: Justice Shashi Kant Gupta and Justice Shamim

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