DTMT Network
The Delhi High Court has stayed the ban on sale of e-cigarettes, a move that was taken in February 2019 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The CDSCO had in February 2019 directed state drugs controllers not to permit sale, manufacturing, import and advertisement of e-cigarettes and flavored hookah.

The stay on the ban on e-cigarettes will continue till May 17, 2019. The stay was granted after vendors of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems argued that vaping is not like smoking cigarette while it has been internationally recognized as a healthier alternative to consumption of tobacco products.

The petitioners contended that the central government enforced a ban on e-cigarettes despite HC orders last month that only states have the powers to enforce such a ban.