A video from Pune’s Kothrud area is going viral on social media, showing a man riding pillion on a moving scooty while casually smoking a cigarette. The incident was recorded by a concerned citizen and shared on X (formerly Twitter), urging authorities to take strict action.
The clip has sparked outrage among netizens, who have called it reckless and unsafe.
Is smoking on a two-wheeler allowed?
No, smoking on a scooter in public in Pune is not allowed. While smoking in private vehicles is not specifically prohibited, smoking in public places, including while riding a scooter, is a violation of the law in India.
As per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, smoking; consumption of tobacco and tobacco products; and spitting is prohibited in public spaces.
However, people are often spotted smoking on public roads, even near parks and schools in Pune.
