Lucknow, March 6 -- Chewing pan masala and gutkha has been banned on the premises of the state legislative assembly. The violation of this rule will invite a penalty of Rs.1,000.

"The use of pan masala and gutkha has been banned, with immediate effect, on the premises of Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. A fine of Rs.1,000 will be imposed on any person, be it officials or other employees, found chewing the tobacco products on the premises," said speaker Satish Mahana during an announcement in the House on Wednesday.

Mahana's announcement came a day after he chided an MLA for spitting pan masala in the Vidhan Sabha. The speaker was informed about the incident before the commencement of the budget session of the House. He rushed to the spot nea...