5.7 lakh people fined Rs 5.1 cr in 2025-26 for smoking in public
Data from the Indian Rajya Sabha shows that over 5.7 lakh people were fined for public smoking in 2025-26, totaling Rs 5.1 crore in penalties. Enforcement varies significantly by state, with some regions reporting zero fines while others like Karnataka lead in compliance efforts.
Why it matters
The data highlights the challenges of uniform enforcement of public health regulations across diverse state jurisdictions in India.
NEW DELHI: More than 5.7 lakh people were fined for smoking in public across India in 2025-26, with authorities collecting over Rs 5.1 crore in penalties under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha. The figures, however, revealed wide variations in enforcement, with several states reporting no violations or fines during the year.Health ministry said enforcement of the ban on smoking in public places was primarily the responsibility of state governments, while the Centre issued advisories and implementation guidelines, including a dedicated handbook for law enforcers issued in 2024.
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