The Bombay High Court clarified that serving hookah in restaurants is lawful if it is completely tobacco-free and adheres to all provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), reaffirming its earlier 2019 judgment.
Today,22nd April, Karnataka High Court upheld hookah ban, dismissing belief in reduced harm compared to cigarettes due to similar health risks. Ruling aligns with Article 47 of Indian Constitution on public health duties. Decision also based on COTPA and Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, regulating hookah as a tobacco product and service violating smoking prohibition laws. Public health concerns remain prominent.