A controversy has erupted over the ongoing winter session of Parliament, as reports surfaced that three MPs were allegedly seen using e-cigarettes inside the House. BJP leaders have raised objections. BJP MP Anurag Thakur has specifically accused three of Mamata Banerjee’s TMC members of vaping inside the Lok Sabha. He has submitted a complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who mentioned that action would be taken once a written complaint is forwarded in writing. The names of the TMC MPs are not disclosed yet. E-cigarettes are fully banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
What Happened in the House
Sources claimed that BJP MP Anurag Thakur noticed the use of e-cigarettes by TMC MPs in the past several days during the winter session. The issue spilled out into the open when he raised it during Zero Hour at 11:11 a.m. on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing violation.
Anurag Thakur’s Statement in Lok Sabha
Speaking in the House, Thakur turned around and asked the Speaker, “Has the Speaker allowed smoking of e-cigarettes in the House? A Trinamool Congress MP has been continuously smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past few days. He also urged Speaker Om Birla to order an immediate inquiry into the issue. Thakur’s remarks had several BJP MPs joining the protest, which briefly disrupted the proceedings. Speaker Birla cautioned the members to respect the parliamentary traditions and added that violations would invite strict action.
The Legal Status of E-Cigarettes in India
The manufacturing, sale, distribution, import, and possession of e-cigarettes are illegal in India. Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh termed the incident as “unfortunate” and reiterated that the law is for everyone, which includes the Parliamentarians. Illegal sales of e-cigarettes are still going on in parts of the country despite the nationwide ban on such products, even near the schools and colleges. The Centre has issued advisories in 2023 to states regarding this to control such sales.
Smoking Ban Inside Parliament According to the Parliament Rule Book, smoking of all types, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in the Parliament complex. Any breach of this rule will attract disciplinary action.
What is E-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic or battery-operated devices that heat liquid usually containing nicotine and flavouring into an aerosol that can be inhaled.
An e-cigarette-either a mechanical device that mimics a cigarette, a handheld device that sprays flavored nicotine, or other forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems-is powered by a battery. Heat from the device produces an aerosol, often called vapor, which is commonly referred to as an e-liquid or vape juice that users inhale. While they do not burn tobacco, like typical cigarettes, the liquid commonly includes nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
Key points about e-cigarettes:
Operation: They work using a heating element to vaporize the liquid to be inhaled.
Contents: Generally include nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. Some may contain toxic chemicals.
Purpose: Advertised as an alternative to smoking or as a way to quit smoking, but they do not come without their risks.
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