NewzDuring the 2025-26 period, authorities across India penalized over 5.7 lakh (570,000) individuals for smoking in public spaces, collecting total penalties exceeding Rs 5.1 crore (Rs 51 million) under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Enforcement varied significantly by region. Karnataka emerged as the leading state for issuing the highest number of public smoking fines, while several other states recorded zero violations or penalties during the entire annual period.
The enforcement data highlights widespread implementation gaps and disparities in regional adherence to national anti-smoking regulations under the existing public health legislation.
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