captain of rajasthan royals Riyan Parag He has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy after he was caught on camera allegedly smoking a cigarette in the dressing room during the Royals' win against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur.
While there is no official confirmation on whether action will be taken against the Royals captain by the BCCI or the IPL governing body, reports suggest that disciplinary processes could be underway.
The IPL Code of Conduct addresses incidents and behavior that bring the game into disrepute. Under rule 2.2 of the code, the match referee can issue a reprimand, and a match fee, fine or suspension is also a possible outcome. The IPL venues and dressing rooms are designated non-smoking areas as per BCCI protocol. BCCI bans the use of tobacco and similar products at these venues.
Legal implications of the issue
India has banned e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. The Act prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transportation, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes.
First time offenders may be subject to PECA imprisonment up to one yearwith Fine of Rs 1 lakh The culprit is being charged. They may have to face one or both of the punishments together. Repeat violators may face three years imprisonmentwith Fine of Rs 5 lakh. Storing e-cigarettes can lead to six months in jail.
The Union Health Ministry clarified in 2023 that PECA also covers personal possession of the product. This applies regardless of whether the intention is business or personal. Use of e-cigarettes in public places also comes under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which imposes separate penalties.
What does the law say?
“On and from the date of commencement of this Act, no person shall, directly or indirectly, –
(i) production or manufacture or import or export or transportation or sale or distribution of electronic cigarettes, whether the whole or any part of the product; and (ii) advertise electronic cigarettes or participate in any advertising that directly or indirectly promotes the use of electronic cigarettes,” Section 4 of PECA says.
Section 7 states, “Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4 shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both, and for the second or subsequent offence, with imprisonment which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees.”
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