Panaji (Goa) Country’s leading anti-tobacco organization – National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) – has hailed decision of supreme court to upheld the amendment made in public health act by then Manohar Parrikar led government.

The amendment to the Public Health Act was made by Parrikar led government in the year 2004 banning the sale of gutkha and tobacco items.

The amendment was challenged by Ghodawat group. The SC has upheld the amendment by Goa government giving boost to the anti-tobacco movement.

NOTE President Dr Shekhar Salkar has hailed the decision of SC.

“We are thankful to Parrikar  for taking lead during his first tenure and a big thanks to Advocate Atmaram Nadkarni, the then  Attorney General of Goa  for making all efforts to make this amendment,” Salkar said.

He said that this will be a landmark judgment which upholds state’s power to intact laws to safeguard health of its citizen.