SC to hear on Sep 29 Centre plea for ban on smoking

New Delhi, Sep 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court will hear on September 29 the appeal of the Union Government against a Madras High Court order restraining the government from implementing its notification banning smoking in public places from October 2.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam today fixed the date when Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium mentioned the matter for urgent hearing.

Mr Subramanium contended that since the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is only a week away, the order of the High Court should be stayed, so that government notification dated May 30, banning smoking in public places with effect from October 2, can be implemented.

The apex court decided to hear the matter before October 2.

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