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New Delhi, Feb 15: The landmark verdict by the Kerala High Court banning smoking at public places proved an eye-opener and trendsetter for many, including the national capital of Delhi which has decided to strictly implement the smoking ban in educational institutions and public places.

All colleges under Delhi University will be tobacco free from Friday with the vice-chancellor of the university sending circulars to the college principals in this regard.

The coming days will also see programmes like painting exhibitions, poster exhibitions and street plays to create awareness about the menace among students and teachers under the university.

The fine for second time violators of the ban will be Rs 500, the circular states. Cigarette vendors in the vicinity of the colleges will be removed, the authorities said.

The Delhi police have asked cinemas, guest houses, hotels and restaurants to exhibit notices saying ‘Smoke free zone’ or ‘No smoking please’.

Those who don’t comply will be fined Rs 100 and for repeaters the fine may go up to Rs 300 or Rs 500. It was on July 12, 1999 that the Kerala High Court passed the order banning smoking in public places .

“In 2003, leaders of 181 countries converged in Geneva to decide that they would bring in legislation banning smoking in public places in their countries and now all of these countries are implementing the law,” said Justice K Narayana Kurup who passed the verdict in 1999.