Commissioner, KMC put on notice over sale of gutka, mawa despite ban

The Sindh High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Karachi commissioner, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and others against the selling and manufacturing of gutka and mawa in the city despite a ban. 

Petitioner Naeem submitted that sale of gutka and mawa was being allowed in various parts of the city, including city courts. He said he had also written letters to district and sessions judges with regard to the open use of gutka and mawa and other injurious things in the premises of the city courts and their sale in the entire city, which was playing with the health and future of the people of the country.

He further submitted that the local administration was also asked to take action against the sale of gutka and mawa and other injurious items, and to remove cigarette cabins from along roads, footpaths and building corridors of Karachi.

The petitioner said the district administration and police had failed to take action against gutka and mawa manufacturers and sellers, who were openly selling these items despite a ban. He submitted that a large number of people are using such hazardous substance, which even causes death.

The court was prayed to direct the district administration, police and others to take action against such delinquent persons who were dealing in this business of selling prohibited items through small shops and cabins, especially near the city courts and adjoining areas.

A high court division bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, after the preliminary hearing of petition, issued notices to the commissioner, KMC and others and called their comments.

The court directed the official respondents to file comments with regard to action against such delinquent persons who were dealing in the sale and purchase of gutka and mawa and have encroached upon the roads near the city courts and adjoining areas, where gutka and mawa were being sold.