In August 2019, the Karnataka High Court issued a notice to the Indian government seeking a review of policies that allow designated smoking zones in public places, including airports. The case raised questions about whether indoor smoking areas adequately protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure.
The Karnataka High Court Notice
On August 26, 2019, a division bench of the Karnataka High Court issued notice to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare after a public interest petition challenged the provision of indoor smoking rooms in airports and other public spaces. The petitioner argued that designated smoking zones within enclosed buildings do not fully prevent smoke from reaching non-smoking areas.
The court directed the central government to respond to whether the existing framework under India’s tobacco control laws sufficiently protects the health of non-smokers in shared public spaces like airport terminals.
India’s Smoking Regulations at Airports
India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 prohibits smoking in public places under Section 4. However, the law includes a provision allowing designated smoking areas in airports, hotels, and restaurants, provided these areas meet specific requirements:
- Must be physically separated from non-smoking areas
- Must have independent ventilation systems
- Must display appropriate signage
- Must not be located near common areas or entry/exit points
This provision is what allows Indian airports to maintain indoor smoking rooms despite the general ban on public smoking.
Impact on Indian Airports
Following the court notice, Indian airports continued to operate their existing smoking zones. Major airports like Delhi IGI (DEL) and Bangalore Kempegowda (BLR) maintain designated smoking rooms across their terminals.
Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport, located in Karnataka where the case was filed, continues to provide smoking facilities for passengers. The airport has designated areas that comply with COTPA requirements.
Current Status
The 2019 court notice did not result in an immediate change to India’s smoking zone policies. Indian airports continue to operate designated smoking rooms under the existing COTPA framework. The case highlighted the ongoing tension between providing facilities for smokers and protecting public health — a debate that continues across airports worldwide.
For a full list of smoking facilities at Indian airports, see our India airport smoking zones guide.