The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Mumbai Police to register a case against actor Ranbir Kapoor, the makers of Aryan Khan’s web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, and Netflix, for allegedly violating the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 through the show’s content and promotions.
The complaint, filed by Vinay Joshi, pointed out that the seventh episode of the show features Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette without any warning or health disclaimer.
Following this, the NHRC has sent a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, directing it to take necessary steps to stop such content from being aired, stressing that it could have a harmful influence on young viewers.
In addition, the Mumbai Police Commissioner has been asked to launch an inquiry into the manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes involved in the matter.
For those unaware, in the last and seventh episode of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, towards the end of the episode, there is a scene featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a cameo role. He visits Karan Jahar and Aasman Singh (Lakshya Lalwani)'s manager Sanya (Anya Singh) at Dharma Productions' office. As he greets Sanya, he asks for the vape that she is already holding and smokes it.
What is The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019?
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, is a law in India that strictly bans the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and related devices in order to safeguard public health. Under this law, e-cigarettes are broadly defined to include Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), heat-not-burn products, and e-hookahs, with the prohibition also extending to their online sale and promotion.
Violation of the Act can result in imprisonment and fines, with harsher punishments prescribed for repeat offenders. The ban covers all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn products, e-hookahs, and other similar devices.
Also read: The Bads of Bollywood's Lakshya thanks fans for the outpouring of love, 'still keep pinching myself'
According to the health ministry, the law was introduced with the primary aim of protecting people from the potential health risks associated with these products. However, despite the existence of strict penalties and the threat of imprisonment, reports suggest that e-cigarettes continue to be available through tobacco shops, general stores, and even online platforms.
The Ba***ds of Bollywood is the directorial debut of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan. backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, the show is streaming on Netflix and stars Lakshya Lalwani, Raghav Juyal, Bobby Deol Anya Singh, Mona Singh and Manoj Pahwa in lead roles.
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