India

Karnataka Goes Tobacco-Free: Gutka & Nicotine Pan Masala Banned for a Year

Published: 12 August 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

The Karnataka government has imposed a one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, sale, and purchase of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. The order was issued by the Food Safety Department, citing public health concerns.

Key Takeaways

Karnataka is taking one of its strongest anti-tobacco measures in recent years, aiming to curb addiction and reduce tobacco-related health risks through a blanket statewide prohibition.

Sources

Daily Jagran, Business Today