Riyan Parag faces backlash after alleged vaping during IPL 2026 match involving Rajasthan Royals. Incident raises concerns under Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019 and BCCI rules banning smoking and vaping.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is facing backlash after an incident in the dressing room during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. Footage reportedly shows Parag vaping during the 16th over of RR’s successful chase of 223. The video captures him using an e-cigarette in the presence of teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, and Kuldeep Sen.
According to BCCI regulations, smoking and vaping are strictly banned inside IPL stadium grounds, except in designated areas. The matter becomes more serious because the possession and use of e-cigarettes are treated with stricter legal implications in India. India had banned vapes under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019.
The Act prohibits the production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes across the country. Violations may result in imprisonment up to six months, substantial fines, or both.
While there may not be a clearly stated public rule specifically targeting vaping, the BCCI enforces strict behavioral standards for players within stadiums. Health and safety protocols generally restrict the use of tobacco or related products in areas such as dressing rooms or dugouts, which could put Parag at risk of punishment.
The controversy comes at a time when Parag is already under pressure in IPL 2026. He has been leading Rajasthan Royals after Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled to find consistency with the bat, scoring only 81 runs in seven innings before this match an output that has sparked criticism from fans and former players.
Despite the off-field distraction, Rajasthan Royals completed the chase of 222 with six wickets in hand, defeating Punjab Kings and handing them their first defeat of the season.
In a separate related development earlier in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.
The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI has issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder regarding the use of the device during the match and has requested his response within the next 48 hours.
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA)
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) is a central legislation enacted to address the rising public health concerns associated with electronic cigarettes and similar vaping devices. The primary objective of the Act is to prevent the initiation of e-cigarette use, particularly among young people, and to curb nicotine addiction by eliminating the availability of such products in the market. It reflects the government’s preventive approach in tackling a potential public health crisis.
The Act provides a broad definition of “electronic cigarettes” under Section 2, covering any electronic device that heats a substance whether containing nicotine or not to produce an aerosol for inhalation. This includes vape pens, e-hookahs, and other electronic nicotine or non-nicotine delivery systems. By adopting an inclusive definition, the law ensures that emerging variations of such devices are also brought within its scope.
At the heart of the legislation is Section 4, which imposes a complete prohibition on the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes. This comprehensive ban is designed to dismantle the entire commercial ecosystem surrounding these products, thereby restricting their accessibility.
To address existing stock at the time of enforcement, Section 5 mandates that any person or entity in possession of e-cigarettes must declare and deposit them with the designated authorities. This provision ensures that previously held inventories are removed from circulation and do not enter illegal markets.
The Act also grants significant powers to authorised officers under Section 6. These officers are permitted to enter premises, conduct searches, and seize e-cigarettes and related materials if they have reason to believe that the provisions of the Act are being violated. Importantly, such actions can be carried out without a warrant, underscoring the strict enforcement mechanism built into the law.
Section 7 prescribes stringent penalties for violations. For activities such as manufacturing, selling, or distributing e-cigarettes, the first offence may attract imprisonment of up to one year or a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. Repeat offences carry harsher punishment, including imprisonment of up to three years and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, storage of e-cigarettes is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months or a fine up to Rs 50,000, or both.
The Act further classifies offences as cognizable under Section 8, allowing law enforcement authorities to make arrests without a warrant. Section 9 specifies that offences under the Act shall be tried by a court not below the rank of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class, ensuring a structured judicial process.
To protect officials performing their duties, Section 10 provides immunity for actions taken in good faith under the Act. Additionally, Sections 11 and 12 empower the Central Government to issue directions, frame rules, and remove any practical difficulties in implementing the law, thereby ensuring administrative flexibility.
A significant feature of the Act is that it does not criminalize individual consumption or use of e-cigarettes. Instead, it adopts a supply-side regulatory approach by targeting manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. This reflects a policy choice to discourage availability rather than penalize users directly.
Overall, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 represents a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding public health. By imposing a blanket ban on commercial activities related to e-cigarettes and establishing strict enforcement provisions, the Act seeks to prevent the spread of vaping and its associated health risks in India.
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