New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked Mumbai Police to register a case against Ranbir Kapoor, producers of Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ and Netflix for allegedly violating the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
A complaint, filed by Vinay Joshi, pointed out that the seventh episode of the recently released show features the Bollywood actor using an e-cigarette without any warning or health disclaimer.
The complainant alleged that the scene is being streamed openly, which can mislead or negatively influence young viewers by promoting the use of such banned substances. The complainant also expressed concerns that such irresponsible content promotes illegal activities, disrespects law enforcement, and harms public health and morality.
The NHRC has sent a notice to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, directing it to take necessary steps to stop such content from being aired.
Mumbai’s Police Commissioner has been asked to initiate an investigation into the identity and operations of manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarettes. An action taken report has to be filed within two weeks.
‘Ba***ds of Bollywood’, the directorial debut of Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan, started streaming on Netflix from September 18. Backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, the show stars Lakshya Lalwani, Raghav Juyal, Bobby Deol Anya Singh, Mona Singh and Manoj Pahwa in key roles.
Ranbir plays cameo, in the seventh and last episode. Towards the end of the episode, Ranbir is seen visiting Karan Jahar and Aasman Singh’s (played by Lalwani) manager Sanya (played Anya Singh) at Dharma Productions’ office. As Ranbir greets Sanya, he asks for the vape that she is holding and smokes it.
What does the law say
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 strictly bans the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes and related devices in India to safeguard public health.
E-cigarettes are broadly defined to include Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), heat-not-burn products and e-hookahs. The prohibition extends to their online sale and promotion.
Violation of the Act can result in imprisonment and fines, with repeat offenders liable for harsher punishments.
Despite strict penalties and the threat of imprisonment, e-cigarettes continue to be available in tobacco shops, general stores and even online platforms.
