• Gauhati HC lashes out on State Govt over sale of 43 poisonous types of Paan masalas and Gutkhas

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    Gauhati HC lashes out on State Govt over sale of 43 poisonous types of Paan masalas and Gutkhas
    The court has issued an order seeking an immediate response from the state government over...

    Digital Desk: In a significant development, the Guwahati High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to prohibit or take suitable action against the sale of paan masala and gutkha containing lethal magnesium carbonate.

    Reportedly, the state administration is in danger as it disobeyed the order of the High Court and as a result, answers to the questions, as well as what implied steps weren't taken, are required. A deadline has been established, presently the Guwahati High Court also served notices on the relevant departments. 

    However, it is worth noting that 43 types of harmful pan masala, gutkha containing magnesium carbonate have already been discovered in the state market. The Magnesium Carbonate containing Paan Masala and Guthkas can lead to cancer.

    The Guwahati High Court declared that cancer-causing toxic Paan Masala is being sold in the market, but the government has failed to take action. The court also held the state government liable for failing to carry out earlier rulings prohibiting the sale of gutkha and pan masala containing magnesium carbonate.

    The court served notices to the Director of Health Services, the Joint Director of Health Services, and the Food Safety Commissioner today. The three parties are scheduled to appear in court in September. The court issued notices today not just to the government but also to other manufacturing establishments selling Pan Masala and Gutkha. 

    Kamakhya Pan Products Private Limited,  Vishnu Aromatics Limited, and Som Global Pan Masala Private Limited are among the companies that have received notices. A citizen named Jitul Deka brought the subject to the High Court's notice through a public interest petition.

    It has been brought to light, that the court heard the 2020 case and instructed the state government to take the necessary steps. Despite the court's ruling, the state administration did nothing to limit the sale of pan masala and gutkha containing dangerous substances. The victim was named as Jitul Deka, 28, of Guwahati. Another case was opened with the number 59/2023. 

    Following the hearing, the court not only harshly reprimanded the state government's position, but also issued a notice to the government to explain why the previous order was not obeyed. The state government and producers have yet to respond to the sale of fatal magnesium carbonate-containing pan masala and gutkha.