Proposed law wants police to book minors getting drunk, carrying tobacco

Mumbai: In a move to curb underage drinking and tobacco consumption, the centre has proposed a new law that makes it mandatory for police officers to register an FIR when they spot any minor under the influence of liquor, narcotic drug, cigarette or other intoxicants.

The FIR will also have to ascertain the source of the substance and investigate on how the minor came to posses the intoxicant.

The new Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (Care and protection of children) makes it punishable to sell tobacco products to juveniles and those identified as violators can face up to 1 lakh fine and seven years of imprisonment. The women and child development ministry has invited comments on the draft rules.

According to reports, the draft also makes it mandatory for tobacco and liquor products, and shops that sell them, to carry the same message.

Under the existing law, selling intoxicants to minors can invite a penalty ranging from 1000 to 2000 INR.