Punjab Prohibition of Smoking (Cinema and Theatre Halls) Act, 1951

(1) This Act may be called the Punjab Prohibition of Smoking (Cinema and Theatre Halls) Act, 1951. (2) It extends to the whole of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. (3) It shall come into force at once.

In this Act unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— (a) the “Act” means the Prohibition of Smoking (Cinema and Theatre Halls) Act, 1951. (b) “Auditorium” means the portion of the cinema or theatre hall occupied by the audience during a show. (c) “Inspector” means an Inspector appointed under the Act by Government. (d) “Government” means the Central Government. (e) “Show” means a cinematography exhibition or performance of a drama, or dance. (f) “Smoking” means smoking of tobacco in any form, whether as cigarette, cigar, beeri, or in pipe or hukka.

(1) No person shall smoke in Cinema or Theatre Halls, during the prohibited period, either in the auditorium or on the stage, except in so far as the Smoking may be a part of the performance. Explanation.—The expression “prohibited period” means the period beginning from half an hour before the commencement of a show till the end thereof. (2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) of this section shall be liable to be turned out of the Cinema or Theatre Hall without payment of any compensation or refund of any payment made by him and shall also be liable to arrest for the purposes of section 57 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and on conviction to fine, which may extend to Rs. 20.

An Inspector may enter a Cinema or Theatre Hall to satisfy himself that the provisions of this Act are not being contravened.

No Prosecution under this Act shall be instituted except on the complaint of an Inspector authorised in this behalf by a general or special order of the Director of Health Services, Union Territory of Chandigarh.

All cases under this Act shall be tried in the manner provided for the summary trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

The Central Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.