The Bombay High Court has intervened to temporarily halt legal proceedings against popular stand-up comedian and Bigg Boss 17 winner, Munawar Faruqui. The court has stayed the trial court proceedings in a case alleging he smoked a tobacco-based hookah at a restaurant in South Mumbai. The next hearing is now scheduled for December 8, 2024.
Comedian's Petition and Denial of Charges
Faruqui approached the High Court to challenge the criminal prosecution he is facing. In his petition, he firmly denied the allegations. The comedian stated that he did not smoke any tobacco-filled hookah nor did he request one at the restaurant. He clarified that he was merely using a designated smoking area as a regular customer. Based on this, his legal team argued that no legal violations could be rightfully invoked against him.
The Police Raid and COPTA Violations
The case originates from a police raid conducted in March 2024 at an establishment located in Mumbai's Bora Bazar area. Faruqui was detained along with 13 other individuals during this operation. The police acted on a tip-off suggesting that customers were consuming tobacco hookahs while falsely claiming they were herbal alternatives.
The prosecution has invoked sections of COPTA (the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003). This comprehensive Indian law prohibits the advertisement and regulates the trade, commerce, production, and supply of tobacco products.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
A division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Sandesh Patil, presided over the matter. The bench directed the prosecution to place the charge-sheet on record for their examination. After hearing the initial arguments, the court decided to adjourn the case and issued the stay on the trial. All further proceedings in the lower court are paused until the next hearing on December 8.
The outcome of this hearing will determine the future course of this legal battle for the comedian, who has recently been in the public eye following his reality show victory.
