CM D.K. Shivakumar withdraws one-year ban on gutka, pan masala

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 14, 2026: The Karnataka government has decided to withdraw the one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutka and pan masala products containing tobacco or nicotine, just two days after the order came into force.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed officials to revoke the ban order issued by the Food Safety Commissioner.

The commissioner had recently imposed a statewide ban on gutka and pan masala products containing tobacco or nicotine for a period of one year, citing public health concerns.

However, Shivakumar was reportedly displeased that the order had been issued without his knowledge. Expressing concern over the potential financial impact on arecanut growers, he instructed officials to withdraw the notification immediately.

Earlier on Thursday, a delegation comprising BJP and Congress leaders met the Chief Minister and urged him to reconsider the decision. The delegation was led by BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra and Congress MLA D.G. Shantanagouda.

The legislators informed Shivakumar that the ban had created uncertainty among farmers and could adversely affect the arecanut market. They appealed to the government to safeguard the interests of arecanut growers and prevent possible economic losses arising from the ban.