Pass law to shut hookah parlours: Calcutta High Court to Bengal government – India Today

Kolkata News

If the state wants to shut down hookah parlours, they have to pass a new law, the court said. Now, the police can’t take action against any pub offering hookah to patrons.

A lot of revenue comes from hookah parlours, the Calcutta High Court said

By Rittick Mondal: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday set aside the state order for an absolute ban on hookah parlours in Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha said since there is no law against hookah in the state, banning parlours wouldn’t be right.

If the state wants to shut down hookah parlours, they have to pass a new law, he said. Now, the police can’t take action against any pub offering hookah to patrons.

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The West Bengal government, in December, ordered a ban on hookah bars in Kolkata, citing an adverse impact on public health. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will cancel the licenses of restaurants that operate as hookah bars in the city. Days after the decision, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation also sought similar prohibitory orders on such parlours.

Also Read | After Kolkata, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation seeks to ban hookah bars

“The decision taken by the Kolkata and Bidhannagar municipalities to ban hookah in their administrative areas has not been accepted into law. Why did the mayor take such a decision? A lot of revenue comes from here. The police can investigate whether other substances are mixed with the hookah. Where is the harm in using herbal products in hookah?” Jusice Mantha said.

Kolkata’s police commissioner submitted a report before the court today and said that if anyone violates the law, action is taken. 17 cases have been registered so far, the police told the court in this report. Members of the restaurants association of Kolkata had moved the court challenging the ban order.

Also Read | Bengal government bans hookah bars in Kolkata

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