The order was passed by a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Amitava Lala and Justice P K S Baghel on the PIL filed by Gramin Mahila Vikas Parishad, a social organization based in Deoria district of the state.
The court also asked the state government to describe the measures taken by it so far to discourage people from consuming tobacco products besides directing the state's Legal Services Authority to try to spread awareness about the ill-effects of consuming gutkha, pan masala etc.
The court also ordered that the Centre and the state government file their counter-affidavits within two weeks and the petitioner organization may file its rejoinder within a week thereafter before the matter is taken up for further hearing.
Another PIL demanding a ban on the sale of gutkha and pan masala, filed by UP Chapter of Indian Dental Association, is pending before another bench of the court.
