Riyan Parag vaping controversy: Jail term, IPL ban, heavy fines

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag is under scrutiny after he was found vaping inside the dressing room during the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (PBKS vs RR) match on April 28.

During the 16^th over of the second innings, when RR was chasing a target of 223 runs, A camera on the ground caught Riyan Parag vaping inside the dressing room. Vaping means using an e-cigarette, which is not legal in India. Because of this incident, the captain of RR, Riyan Parag, can face major trouble.

The disciplinary body of IPL can go strict against Riyan Parag

Stadium premises strictly prohibited from using all kinds of tobacco products, and a non-smoking zone is in effect. Vaping inside the dressing room, therefore, potentially violates multiple sets of rules simultaneously.

Under Law 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, the match referee can take steps against Parag by sanctioning fee, such as a fine or suspension. The final decision is yet to be declared by the board.

E-cigarettes are completely banned in India

E-cigarettes were entirely prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) in 2019. Under this law, if the government finds someone guilty of breaching the law by producing, manufacturing, importing, exporting, transporting, selling, distributing, storing, and advertising e-cigarettes, they can be sent to jail. The duration of imprisonment will depend on the seriousness of the offence. Additionally, the person who is found guilty will have to penalty as well.

The Government of India banned e-cigarettes, citing serious public health concerns. In 2023, the Union Health Ministry clarified that even using this in private spaces will be considered a violation of the act, and vaping in public places will be treated separately under COTPA 2003.

First-time offenders under PECA face up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to INR 1 lakh, or face both penalties together. The degree of punishment will be increased if the offender is found guilty on multiple occasions. The repeated offenders can face up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to INR 5 lakh.

Why can Riyan Parag be jailed?

According to the law:

“On and from the date of commencement of this Act, no person shall, directly or indirectly, —

(i) produce or manufacture or import or export or transport or sell or distribute electronic cigarettes, whether as a complete product or any part thereof; and(ii) advertise electronic cigarettes or take part in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes the use of electronic cigarettes”: Section 4 of the Act.

In support of the Section 4, Section 7 under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act says, “Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both, and, for the second or subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees.”

Read More: Big trouble! Riyan Parag caught vaping, IPL ban threat looms large