Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra wants to know why there is no ban on cigarettes and liquor.
| Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh
Alleging that the ban on the sale of gutka was the outcome of lobbying by cigarette companies, Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra has urged the government of Karnataka to withdraw the order within 24 hours.
In a press conference in Shivamogga on August 14, Mr. Raghavendra said that if the ban order was not withdrawn immediately, the BJP would hit the streets to protest against the government.
“The ban would impact arecanut growers. The price of areca had already come down in the market within a day of the order,” he stated.
The MP said the government’s decision was not backed by good intentions. If the government was concerned about the health of people, it should ban the sale of cigarettes and liquor. “The Congress government has increased the number of liquor licences and the number of liquor shops have been increased at the hobli-level. Will they ban the sale of liquor?”
The government order banning gutka
The government of Karnataka has prohibited the sale and distribution of gutka, pan masala, and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the State for one year. The Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has stepped up enforcement against their manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale.
Karnataka had banned the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine in 2013 under U.T. Khader’s previous tenure as Health Minister.
What the ban covers
The prohibition covers gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine, as well as any other product sold separately but containing tobacco or nicotine in its final form, irrespective of the name under which it is marketed or sold.
It applies to both packaged and unpackaged products. Products that are packed separately but sold or distributed in a manner that enables consumers to mix them easily are also covered.
The latest prohibition was issued on August 10 under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K. said the fresh notification was issued to bring the prohibition in conformity with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
“Earlier, the department had issued a permanent prohibition. Since it was not in conformity with the Act, this fresh order has been issued,” he said.
Under Section 30(2)(a) of the Act, the Food Safety Commissioner has the power to prohibit the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of food articles in the interest of public health.
Published – August 14, 2026 11:14 am IST
