Enforcement of JJ Act sought to curb tobacco use

 The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has called for strict implementation of Sections 77 and 88 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, that allows punishment for selling tobacco and tobacco products to minors.

The KSCPCR, in a letter, has urged the high-power committee on tobacco control to enforce the law to deter “tobacco companies which target the youth and protect them from such addictive substances.”

In the letter, the commission has also sought a provision to book anyone who uses a child for vending, peddling, carrying, supplying or smuggling any intoxicating liquor, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.

Tobacco addiction

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Vishal Rao, Head-Neck Oncology surgeon at HCG, said that tobacco addiction needs to be tackled in order to prevent drug addiction.

“Around 90 per cent of drug addicts start with tobacco and tobacco products. Therfore, to prevent addiction of any form there is a need to start at the root, which is tobacco use and addiction.” Violation of Sections 77 and 78 of the Act attracts rigorous imprisonment for 7 years and a fine of Rs one lakh. According to Section 77, “anyone who gives or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner” will be punished accordingly.