The Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to set up Child Tobacco Cessation Centres in each district to counsel and treat students addicted to ‘Cool Lip,’ a banned tobacco product. The court also called for regular inspections in schools to monitor and prevent substance use. Additionally, the court urged the central government to formally ban ‘Cool Lip’ to protect students’ health.
Chennai: Expressing deep concern over students becoming addicted to the banned tobacco product ‘Cool Lip,’.
The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to establish Child Tobacco Cessation Centres in every district, staffed with experts to counsel and treat affected children, as reported by K Kaushik.
The court also urged the central government to formally ban the product.
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Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy stated,
“An extreme emergency looms. There is a sudden spurt of children using tobacco products, specifically a product named ‘Cool Lip,'”
He instructed authorities to form a two-member tobacco monitoring committee, comprising a teacher and a PTA volunteer, in every school to conduct regular inspections on school grounds and nearby areas, reporting violations to the local police or food safety officer.
Additionally, the judge directed the state to set up a toll-free helpline or website for the public to report tobacco sales.
The court observed,
“Schools should also arrange visits to cancer hospitals to educate students on the severe health risks of tobacco use”
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The High Court also highlighted the need for educational programs to deter students from tobacco use. Schools have been advised to arrange field visits to cancer hospitals so that students can witness firsthand the serious health consequences of tobacco addiction. The court hopes that such experiences will have a lasting impact on students, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco.
This directive from the Madras High Court highlights the pressing need for comprehensive and coordinated action to tackle tobacco addiction among children. By instituting preventive measures, monitoring systems, and educational programs, the court aims to create a safer, healthier environment for students across Tamil Nadu.
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