85% pictorial warning to continue on tobacco products as Supreme Court quashes Karnataka High Court stay

The Supreme Court has put a stay on Karnataka High Court's order of putting down 85 per cent pictorial warning on tobacco packs.  

The tobacco companies will now have to switch back to carrying a pictorial warning covering 85 per cent of cigarette and tobacco packing. 

The court's decision came citing the importance of public health and the harmful effects of tobacco products.

The decision came in response to a plea filed by a non-government organisation, Health for Millions Trust. The petition sought an interim stay on the High Court ruling. 

The Karnataka High Court had struck down the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014 for being unconstitutional on December 15. 

The Apex Court's decision has come as a relief for the Government but a setback for the tobacco industry.