BENGALURU - Police in Bengaluru's East Division have levied 324 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and another 334 petty cases during a recent "No Smoking Day" operation. This drive, which involved 68 police teams, focused on areas near schools and colleges, inspecting over 800 establishments.
The enforcement effort, spearheaded on March 11th, targeted violations of tobacco control laws. The stated aim was to curb the sale and consumption of tobacco products, particularly around educational institutions, and to raise awareness about their detrimental health impacts. Officials conducted surprise checks on a range of businesses, including small shops, bakeries, and eateries.
Wider Enforcement Patterns Emerge
This recent action aligns with broader patterns of tobacco law enforcement across Bengaluru. Previous initiatives have seen significant financial penalties imposed. For instance, in early June 2025, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda announced the collection of over Rs 21 lakh in fines from 11,507 cases related to tobacco law violations.
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These fines often stem from breaches of Section 4 (smoking in public places) and Section 6B (selling tobacco products near educational institutions) of the COTPA. Fines can reach up to Rs 1,000 for individuals found smoking in prohibited zones and for shop owners who permit such activities.
A History of Drives
Surprise drives and crackdowns on tobacco law violations are not new in Bengaluru. In December 2023, a city-wide operation resulted in over 3,000 cases registered under COTPA and the KP Act. This earlier drive also included the arrest of habitual offenders and the seizure of gambling money.
More recently, around March 7th, police in Bengaluru's North Division booked 40 cases and fined 295 individuals for smoking in public spaces during a two-day anti-tobacco campaign. These operations often extend through the night and involve inspections of various public venues and commercial establishments.
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Legislative Context and Challenges
The enforcement of the COTPA is critical for addressing the "tobacco burden" in India. However, effective implementation faces numerous challenges. Research indicates that while laws are in place, consistent and optimal enforcement remains a significant hurdle. Studies examining COTPA compliance highlight the need for robust strategies to ensure sections of the act, such as those prohibiting public smoking and sales near educational sites, are rigorously applied.
The effectiveness of such legislation is often debated, with ongoing discussions about reforms and the role of various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, in strengthening tobacco control policies.