The Supreme Court on Friday warned states and Union Territories that they may face contempt action if they failed to file compliance reports on gutkha ban within six weeks. We are giving clear warning to the governments. We will initiate suo motu contempt proceedings against them if they fail to file report on compliance of banning gutkha products in their states. Those who do not file report shall do at their own peril, said a Bench led by Justice G S Singhvi. The Bench had on April 3 directed 23 states and 5 UTs,which have banned sale and manufacture of gutkha products,to file compliance reports on the implementation of ban. It also sought response from ot-her states as why they have not banned such products. Granting last opportunity to states to file their reports,the bench said: We would make state counsel stand in the court for entire day if they fail to comply with our order. Gutkha,zarda,pan masala and such other addictive forms of chewing tobacco are banned by various states,as per Rules under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations of 2011.
