The government is mulling various options like bringing an ordinance to enforce a ban on the manufacture, sale and import of ENDS devices, including e-cigarettes if it fails to get a reprieve from the Delhi High Court, which had earlier stayed its order to ban such products, sources said.
Banning such alternative smoking devices like e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, vape and e-nicotine flavoured hookah, among others is one of the priorities of the Health Ministry as part of the first 100 days agenda of the second term of the Modi government.
With more than 75 days have passed, the Union Health Ministry has swung into action wanting to implement the ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution and import of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
“The ministry is exploring various options, including bringing an ordinance to enforce a ban on the manufacture, sale and import of ENDS devices,” the sources said.
The ministry is also learnt to have sought a legal opinion over the issue. If the government bring an ordinance, it will have to replace it with a Bill in the next session of Parliament. Once Parliament approves the Bill, the proposed ban on such products will get legal backing.
