Gutkha and Pan Masala Ban Imposed in Uttar Pradesh Assembly

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has banned gutkha and pan masala within the Assembly premises. This decision followed an incident where a member was caught spitting pan masala during a session. A Rs 1,000 fine will be imposed on anyone violating this rule.

In a significant move towards maintaining decorum, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana declared a ban on gutkha and pan masala within the Assembly premises. The decision came following Tuesday's incident where a lawmaker was seen on camera spitting pan masala during proceedings.

Speaker Mahana criticized the act, emphasizing the legislators' duty to uphold cleanliness and decorum, given their public-elected status. Subsequently, he announced a strict penalty for violations, with fines set at Rs 1,000 for anyone caught with the banned substances inside the premises.

During the session, a suggestion was made to increase the fine due to inflation. Responding humorously, Mahana stirred laughter among members, noting those suggesting a rise and joking that higher fines would be imposed if they were caught spitting.

(With inputs from agencies.)