Mysore/Mysuru: As spitting of tobacco and pan masala may spread the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has banned spitting of chewable tobacco products and pan masala under Section (2) of Epidemic Diseases Act,1897.

The District Tobacco Consumption Control Cell’s Surveillance Officer, in a press release, said that consumption and spitting of tobacco and pan masala in public places has been banned under Sections 188, 268, 269 and 270 of IPC. Accordingly, those found spitting tobacco and pan masala in public places in violation of these sections, will be penalised and punished, the release said.