Overview
- A division bench of Justices Riyaz Chagla and Farhan Dubash disposed of petitions from Mumbai restaurateurs and took the state’s affidavits on record.
- Authorities may inspect only upon receiving a complaint and can proceed against a parlour only if tobacco is found.
- Restaurants are not barred from serving hookah that contains no tobacco or nicotine as long as they comply with COTPA.
- The court directed Maharashtra to act strictly under COTPA and to circulate the order to all concerned authorities.
- The bench noted that any discovery of drugs or narcotics would trigger action under relevant laws, following disputes that arose after a June 6 Home Department circular.