Can officers enter and search my shop where I sell cigarettes/other tobacco products?

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Yes, the officers of following ranks may enter and search a shop selling cigarettes/other tobacco products if they believe that the relevant law is being violated¹:

• A police officer, at least at the rank of a sub-inspector

• An officer of State Food or Drug Administration

• Any other officer, at least at the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police, authorised by the Central/State Government

The following places may be searched²:

• Where the advertisement of cigarettes and tobacco products is made.

• Where the trade of cigarettes and tobacco products is carried out

1. Section 12(1), the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.[↩]
2. Section 12(1), the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.[↩]