Patan High Court Issues Interim Order Against Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Ban on Tobacco Products

The Patan High Court has issued an interim order against the ban on the sale of tobacco products imposed by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). The joint bench of judges, comprising Janak Pandey and Brajesh Pyakurel, delivered the order on Friday, instructing the KMC not to implement the ban until the case is concluded.

The KMC had recently enforced a ban on the sale of tobacco products, effective from Thursday, and had issued public notices regarding the same weeks earlier. Responding to the ban, Sriram Tobacco Industry swiftly moved the Patan High Court to challenge the decision.

The joint bench, recognizing the potential irreparable damages faced by the writ petitioner due to the ban, issued the interim order to halt the implementation of the ban until the case reaches a resolution.

Under the KMC’s ban, tobacco products found being sold could face confiscation twice, and stalls engaging in the sale for the third time risk closure. Additionally, the KMC has extended its restrictions by prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and smoking within 100 meters of public places. Anyone found smoking in these areas will be ejected and fined up to Rs 100.

The legal battle between Sriram Tobacco Industry and the KMC is now set to unfold in the Patan High Court, with both parties awaiting a final resolution on the controversial ban.