Wednesday, June 15 2005 19:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Smoking scenes will be banned in films and television serials to be shown from October 2, the Government said today (Jun 15, 2005).

An understanding to this effect was reached after a hour-and-a-half meeting between Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy and Health Minister A Ramadoss, who had taken the initiative which evoked reservations in some quarters.

"We have reached a complete understanding about the manner in which we should go about... the ban on smoking scenes in new films and TV serials will be effective from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi," Reddy told reporters in New Delhi.

The Minister, however, said that exceptions would be made in case of "situations such as treatment of historical personality, historical period and social messaging against smoking itself."

Justifying the Government decision, Reddy said, "There can't be two views on need to restrict, de-glamorise and discourage smoking scenes," the I&B Minister added.