UP Assembly Bans Pan Masala, Gutkha; Violators To Be Fined ₹1,000

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday banned consumption of pan masala and ‘gutkha’ inside the premises after some members were caught spitting.

The ban takes effect immediately, and violators will face ₹1,000 fine.

On Tuesday, Speaker Satish Mahana criticised a member for spitting pan masala on the carpet at the entrance of the Assembly’s main hall.

Mahana suggested that the individual should pay for replacing the carpet. He reminded that it’s not only for 403 MLAs, but for the state’s 25 crore people who have placed their respect and trust in the Assembly and emphasised their responsibility to uphold its dignity.

“A good image positively influences everyone, and similar is the case with negative images and untidiness… I have directed all the legislators to keep a check on each other so that something like this does not repeat in the future,” the Speaker said.

He confirmed seeing a video of the MLA spitting gutkha, but Mahana chose not to reveal his identity.

“I have seen the MLA in the video. But I do not want to humiliate any individual. So I am not taking names. I urge all members that if they see anyone doing this, they should stop them,” he further said in the Assembly on Wednesday.

“Keeping this assembly clean is our responsibility. If the MLA in question comes and tells me that they have done this, it will be good; otherwise, I will call them and reveal their name publicly,” Mahana added.

“The consumption of pan masala and gutkha is hereby prohibited on Vidhan Sabha premises, with immediate effect. If any individual is found consuming these substances, a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed, and necessary action as per the rules will be taken.”