India's Supreme Court have banned smoking in public places across the country, extending a prohibition already in force in some states.
The Supreme Court order overrides government legislation to ban smoking in public places that was introduced in parliament earlier this year but had still to be approved by lawmakers to turn into a law.
A two-judge bench directed all states and federally administered territories to immediately issue orders to ban smoking in public places and on public transport services.
Already, tobacco firms are not allowed to advertise their products on television.
The court order came in response to a public interest petition against smoking filed by Mr Murli Deora, a senior leader of India's main opposition party, Congress.
The court said public places include hospitals, public offices, public transport services including railways, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries and auditoriums.
