For what duration has the Karnataka government imposed a ban on tobacco and nicotine products?

On August 10, 2026, the Karnataka government imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, storage, and transportation of tobacco and nicotine products—including gutkha and pan masala—aiming to protect public health and curb tobacco consumption. The ban will be enforced by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department and falls under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and FSSAI regulations; Karnataka was originally formed as Mysore State in 1956 and was renamed Karnataka in 1973.