New Delhi, July 16 -- The rise of quick commerce platforms in India has changed the way consumers buy everyday essentials, but it's also raised tricky questions about the online sale of cigarettes, a heavily regulated product.

Platforms, such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart, allow online purchases of tobacco products, typically using a combination of minimal branding, self-declared age verification, and disclaimers about delivery restrictions near educational institutions.

On Android devices, cigarette sales often route through "Lite" apps or mobile websites, sidestepping restrictions from the Google Play Store, which bans apps promoting tobacco. On iOS, these transactions are mostly possible via the primary app.

Most platforms...