“Extreme Emergency Looms”: Madras High Court Issues Directions For Curbing Tobacco Use Among Children

The Madras High Court issued several directions to curb the use of tobacco products among children, highlighting an “extreme emergency” due to the surge in tobacco use, particularly “Cool Lip” products. The court directed the Central and State Governments to ban such products and establish Child Tobacco Cessation Centers in every district. Schools were instructed to conduct regular health checks and counsel students found using tobacco. The court emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address this public health issue, reflecting the urgency of protecting children’s health and well-being from the dangers of tobacco addiction.