If the distributors continue to sell these packs without pictorial warnings, they may face jail term up to two years or fine of Rs.3,000.

In a recent survey by anti-tobacco groups, it was found that even 60 days after the law on pictorial warnings came into force, a majority of the tobacco packs either do not display any pictorial warnings or the warnings displayed are not in conformity with the rules.

The survey found that the size of the pictorial warning is much smaller than the government designated 40 percent of the space on the pack. Of the 60 products analysed, 25 brands of 'gutka', 10 brands of 'khaini' (both chewing tobacco) and two brands of 'bidi' (leaf rolled cigarelloes) carry smaller warnings.

At least five cigarette brands and four chewing tobacco brands have misleading descriptions on the pack.