Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Maharashtra Considers MCOCA for Gutkha Trade
Even though gutkha and pan masala are banned in Maharashtra, they are still being sold illegally.
The state government is thinking about using a tough law called MCOCA to go after the people who make and sell these products.
They will ask for advice from the Law and Judiciary Department and also tell people about the dangers of gutkha at the district level.
Gutkha and pan masala continue to be sold illegally in Maharashtra despite ban
State plans to invoke MCOCA against gutkha company owners and key operators
Proposal to be sent to Law and Judiciary Department for guidance
Awareness campaigns against gutkha to be undertaken at district level
MCOCA amended earlier this year to include drug-related offenses
- Who
- Maharashtra government, gutkha company owners, key operators
- What
- Considering invoking MCOCA against illegal gutkha trade
- When
- November 18, 2022
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To curb illegal gutkha trade and protect students and youth
Pro-ban advocates
Gutkha industry
Ban enforcement
Pro-ban advocates
Strictly enforce the ban to protect public health
Gutkha industry
Ease of ban to allow for regulated sale and taxation
- Act
- Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA)
- Products
- Gutkha, pan masala, scented tobacco, areca nut, kharra, mawa
- Offenses
- Manufacture, sale, trafficking of gutkha and similar products
- Amendment Year
- 2022
- Minister
- Narhari Zirwal (Food and Drug Administration)
Sources
Maha plans to invoke MCOCA against gutkha trade
After using MCOCA to target drug crimes, govt mulls invoking tough Act to curb gutkha trade
Maharashtra Government Might Invoke Organised Crime Act To Curb Gutkha Trade
