Ban on gutka sale: SHC directs police department to submit report by November 13

Sindh High Court on Friday ordered provincial Police department to submit a report about the complete ban on sale of "gutka" by November 13, 2018. SHC bench taking up a plea about the ban on sale of gutka in the light of court orders said that Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Deputy IGP will be summoned to appear in the court if the orders to ban sale of gukta were not enforced till next hearing of the issue.
Last week, SHC issued orders to ban gutka, mainpuri or same nature of products in the province. It had ordered provincial government to ensure implementation of Food Ordinance in an order on a petition against the judgment of Sessions Judge, Thatha, who disposed of the cases of culprits arrested for selling gutka and mainpuri on the ground that these didn't fall in the category of hazard materials.
During the hearing, court directed police officials to ensure that sale should be banned by taking actions against those, found to be involved in gutka trade.
Court also sought reports from police officials in Districts Korangi and Malir of Karachi Division about the enforcement of court orders to ban gutka sale.
Bench also showed its annoyance over the report submitted by police officials and remarked that a year old report has been submitted in the court.
"Court should be informed what actions taken against the elements involved in the sale of gutka when police would come up with a new report on November 13, 2018," court stated.
SHC order stated that District & Sessions Judge, Thatta seems to have ignored that use of the Gutka has been resulting in serious diseases, including fatal. There have been numbers of studies by experts indicating serious effects of use of gutka.