Dhanush's Velaiyilla Pattathari Lands Into Trouble Over Use Of Tobacco Without Disclaimer

Hence, the court added that if authorities fail to implement the act then they are not only violating the provisions of the act but are infringing the fundamental rights of the citizen. 

VellaiyiIlla Pattadhari poster | Credit: Wunderbar Films

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Friday ordered Tamil Nadu government to take action on the notice by the state against Wunderbar Films for allegedly violating Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulations of Trade Act, 2003) in the Dhanush-starrer VellaiyiIlla Pattadhari. In the poster of the movie produced by the actor himself and was released seven years ago, Dhanush was seen holding a cigarette in between the teeth without any disclaimer. 

According to a report on Times of India, Justice SM Subramaniam gave the directions based on a petition filed by the convener of Tamil Nadu People's Forum for Tobacco Control, Cyril Alexander. The petitioner Cyril Alexander moved Madras HC seeking action against the producer of the film for violation of the Act and also wanted the court to issue directions for taking action against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for failing to check the violation in the poster. 

The judge allowing the plea said that the country losses almost Rs 13,500 crore annually due to loss of productivity and treatment for tobacco-related illness thereby offsetting the benefits received from the tobacco industry. 

The judge said, the purpose and object of the act are of paramount importance to the court. The Act also ensures Article 21 of the constitution which promises the right to life. Also, the court said that more than active smokers passive smokers are more seriously affected.

Hence, the court added that if authorities fail to implement the act then they are not only violating the provisions of the act but are infringing the fundamental rights of the citizen.