Madras HC impleads Ministry of Health in Cool Lip Tobacco Case, raises concerns over school children’s use [Read Order]

Madras: The Madras High Court has impleaded the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a case involving the sale of “Cool Lip” tobacco products, while granting interim bail to the accused.

A Single Judge Bench, comprising Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, heard a bail petition filed by one Aunestraja, who was arrested for possessing 27 packets of Cool Lip tobacco products.

The court noted with concern the increasing incidents of school children using these products, which has led to disruptive behavior in classrooms. The judge observed, “Video footage shows that school children using this Cool Lips product are behaving indifferently in class, by keeping this product between the cheek and gum and also hitting each other.”

Highlighting the dangers, the court stated, “Tobacco itself is unsafe. As a matter of fact, orders have been passed by the authorities of Tamil Nadu deeming it an unsafe food. It leads to cancer. More importantly, it pushes school children towards the habit of further substance abuse, such as ganja and other narcotic substances, once they become immune to nicotine-induced addiction.”

Recognizing the interstate nature of the issue, the court suo motu impleaded the Union of India (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare), the Secretary to Government (School Education Department, Tamil Nadu), and the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration (Tamil Nadu) as respondents.

The court emphasized, “Only after detailed inquiry can the question of granting bail to such interstate sellers be finally determined.”

While posting the matter for further hearing on September 20, 2024, the court granted interim bail to the petitioner until further orders. Bail was granted on a bond of Rs. 10,000 with two sureties, subject to conditions including daily appearance before the police for three weeks.

In conclusion, the Madras High Court, while granting interim relief to the accused, has taken a broader view of the issue by involving relevant government authorities to address the growing concern of Cool Lip tobacco use among school children.
 

[Read Order]