Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (MS)

Mumbai, May 30: People who spit or smoke in public places in the state of Maharashtra will have to face six months imprisonment. If the act is repeated then they will be imprisoned for two years. This rule was announced by the state public health department on Friday May 29.

Speaking on the new rule, Rajesh Tope, health minister said, "We want to punish the offenders strictly and that is why this law is invoked. People should also change their public space habits in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic."

The minister said that ban for smoking in public is in place since long time but no one is following the same. In addition, one should not spit in public places. The minister said that even during this crisis period of Covid-19 many people are seen spitting in public places and smoking.

Spitting is prohibited in public places according to the Bombay police act. Smoking was prohibited in the state under the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products act (COPTA) of 2003.