Mumbai, Dec. 17 -- The Maharashtra government has decided to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gutkha manufacturers to strictly enforce the existing ban on the prohibited product, Food and Drug Administration and Special Assistance Minister Narhari Zirwal said on Wednesday.
Despite a statewide ban, gutkha continues to be available at several places, including near schools and colleges, prompting the government to take a tougher legal approach. Zirwal said the state plans to amend the law to enable the application of MCOCA against those involved in the manufacture and sale of gutkha, with the move expected to be implemented in the New Year.
He said that earlier, a proposal to impose MCOCA on gutkha manuf...