5.7 lakh people fined Rs 5.1 cr in 2025-26 for smoking in public

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. Smoking in public places is prohibited under Section 4 of COTPA, and violations attract a fine of up to Rs 200 under Section 21 of the Act.Karnataka recorded the highest number of challans at 1,59,041, followed by Rajasthan (99,789), Andhra (55,850), Tamil Nadu (47,941) and Uttarakhand (40,545). Karnataka collected the highest amount in fines, at over Rs 1.4 crore.In contrast, Assam, Chandigarh, Manipur, Puducherry and Telangana reported zero challans and no fines, pointing to differences in enforcement across states. Delhi reported 574 challans, with fines amounting to Rs 2.5 lakh.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.