Spit at your own risk in Maha! Offenders to pay Rs 5,000; sweep govt offices

Mumbai, June 18: The Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra Government has come up with an innovative plan to put a restraint on spitting on streets, which is a most common phenomena nation-wide. Once passed, the law is expected to act as a precursor to banning chewing tobacco, gums, betel leaves, etc. in public places.

The Devendra Fadnavis cabinet has approved an anti-spitting law, which would have monetary punishment as well as compulsory community service to the violators.

As per a TOI report, if a person is caught spitting first time, then he/she will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 and also spend a day doing social work at a public hospital or a government office. Second time offenders will be penalised Rs 3,000 and 3-day community service, while repeat offenders will have to pay Rs 5,000 along with 5-day service.

The amount collected from the fine will be used for healthcare services.

"We have discussed the issue in the cabinet meeting and decided to form a committee led by Health Minister Dr Deepak Sawant. Their report will be submitted within a month," said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a press conference.

The law will be in place within the next six months. The anti-spitting bill will now have to cleared in both the state legislature houses.

OneIndia News