NEW DELHI, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- India's Supreme Court on Friday banned smoking in public places across the country, extending a prohibition that was already in place in some states.
A two-judge bench directed authorities to immediately issue orders to ban smoking in public places and on public transport services across the country.
The public places where smoking would be banned include hospitals, public offices, public transport services, including trains, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries and auditoriums.
The court order supercedes government legislation to ban smoking in public places that was introduced in parliament and was expected to be made formally into law by lawmakers this year.
The court order came in response to a public interest petition against smoking filed by Murli Deora, a former lawmaker.
