ZisNews - Breaking News & Updates

KOchi, A plea in the Kerala heights margaret court has urged it to prohibit sales agreement, circulation and show of booking agent Prize winner Arundhati Roy's book 'Mother Mary Come to Me' with its present cover where she is shown smoking a cigarette without the statutory health warning. A bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji on Thursday asked the central government to inform the court whether there was any agency or mechanism to deal with such issues and listed the matter for further hearing on September 25. The public interest litigation was moved by a Kochi-based lawyer, Rajasimhan, who has contended that the cover page image sends out a "damaging message" to society, especially to girls and women, by "glorifying" the act of smoking. The petitioner has claimed that "glorification of smoking" by an eminent author like her amounts to creating a false belief that such acts "enhance intellectual creativity". "The cover image of the author of the book smoking a cigarette conveys a thoroughly misleading and unhealthy message to the impressionable youth that smoking is fashionable, intellectually stimulating and intrinsically associated with creativity," the plea has said. He further contended in the plea that the image is also in violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act , 2003. The Act prohibits both direct and indirect advertisements of cigarettes and tobacco products, unless accompanied by the prescribed statutory health warnings, the plea has said. The image, without any statutory health warning, amounts to indirect advertisement and promotion of smoking and tobacco products, it has also said. Besides prohibiting sale, circulation and display of the book with its current cover, the plea has also sought withdrawal of all of its copies from the market. It has also sought a declaration that publication of the book with the current cover image and without the statutory health warning, "is illegal and violative of COTPA". At the same time, the petitioner has made it clear that his plea was not concerned about the content and substance of the book. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Global News Perspectives

In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.

Customizable News Feed

At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.

Like or Comment on News

Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.

Download the Android App

For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Diverse News Categories

With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.

Plea in Kerala HC against Arundhati Roy's book cover showing her smoking

Global News Perspectives

Customizable News Feed

Like or Comment on News

Download the Android App

Diverse News Categories

Category News

Country News