Passenger's Complaint Leads to State-Wide Smoking Ban on Buses

Haryana Transport Department Ordered to Enforce Strict Smoking Ban on Buses and at Bus Stands. After Passenger's Complaint, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Directs Department to Take Strong Measures to Stop Smoking in Public Transport, Citing Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, and Awards 5,000 Rupees to Complainant for Stress and Court Expenses, Setting Precedent for Government to Take Smoking Bans Seriously and Protect Public Health.

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August 22, 2024

The Haryana Transport Department has been told to crack down on smoking in buses and at bus stands. This order came from the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Chandigarh.

The case started when a man named Ashok Kumar Prajapat complained about a bus driver smoking. Prajapat was traveling from Baldev Nagar to Chandigarh on July 29, 2019. He said the driver was smoking while driving, which made him feel very uncomfortable and unsafe.

At first, the local consumer court (District Commission) didn't agree with Prajapat. They threw out his complaint on November 24, 2023. But Prajapat didn't give up. He took his case to the higher State Commission.

The State Commission listened to Prajapat's story and agreed with him. They said the Transport Department must follow the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) very carefully. This law says smoking in public places is not allowed to protect people's health.

The Commission told the Transport Department to take strong steps to stop all smoking on buses and in bus stations. They want the department to be very strict about this rule.

In this case, the bus company had already punished the driver and conductor. The driver had to pay a fine of 200 rupees for smoking. The conductor was fined 1,000 rupees for sitting in the front seat.

But the State Commission thought this wasn't enough. They ordered the Transport Department to pay Prajapat 5,000 rupees. This money is to make up for the stress he went through and the cost of going to court.

This decision is important for all bus passengers in Haryana. It shows that the government must take smoking bans seriously, especially in public transport. The case also proves that if people stand up for their rights, they can make a difference.

Now, it's up to the Haryana Transport Department to make sure this ruling is followed. They'll need to check buses and bus stands regularly and punish anyone who breaks the no-smoking rule. This should make bus travel safer and more comfortable for everyone in Haryana.