Date:14/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/14/stories/2008111462091400.htm

National

Stay on pictorial warnings on tobacco packets vacated

Mohamed Imranullah S.

MADURAI: The Madras High Court Bench here on Thursday vacated a stay on a new rule passed by the Centre on March 15 making it mandatory for cigarette and tobacco packets to carry specified pictorial warnings.

Justice G. Rajasuria recalled the interim order passed by another judge on June 8 after hearing Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran, who highlighted the public interest behind the rule.

Tamil Nadu Scented and Chewing Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association based in Pudukottai had challenged the rule on the grounds that a conditional legislation could not be passed without hearing the manufacturers.