HC bans pan chewing in govt offices

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MARCH 27. The Kerala High Court has banned chewing of pan in all government offices in the State.

Mr. Justice J. B. Koshy today directed the State Government to issue necessary orders to all government department heads prohibiting chewing of pan in their respective offices.

The court also directed that notices regarding prohibition be published in all offices within one month.

The Judge issued these interim directions on a writ petition filed by Mr. Divakaran, a lawyer. The petitioner sought prohibition of spitting in public places. According to him, spitting in public places has caused inconveniences to the public. Besides, it posed health hazards to the public at large as it helped spread contagious disease like TB, viral fever, etc.

He wanted action against those who spat in public places under Secs 269 and 270 of the Indian Penal Code.

According to Section 269, those who unlawfully or negligently do any action which is likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or a fine or both.

Sec.270 says that whoever malignantly does any act which is likely to spread the infection of any disease, shall be punished with imprisonment of two years or fine or both.

The petitioner sought a declaration that the act of spitting or chewing and sneezing in public place was illegal and punishable under Secs. 269 and 270.

He also pleaded that a direction be given to the DGP to take appropriate action to prosecute persons who are found guilty of spitting in public places.

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Section  : Regional
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