First 200 fined for smoking in Indian capital
Authorities in India have started enforcing a national ban on smoking in public places.
The first 200 people have been fined for violating the new law in New Delhi.
They paid out the equivalent of £1.50 each after anti-smoking squads began their campaign in the capital.
Eight teams of officials conducted surprise checks in buses and bus stops in nine areas of Delhi.
Those who refuse to pay the fine will be ordered to appear in court, the Indo Asian News Service reports.
"All of those caught paid the fine and felt they were doing wrong. They also promised not to smoke in public places in future," said a spokesman.
A directive from the Supreme Court banned smoking in public places and public transport vehicles, including trains.
The World Health Organisation estimates India has nearly 240 million smokers - a third of all smokers in developing countries.
It is estimated that 6,000 Indians join the ranks of smokers every day. Lung cancer is the third largest killer in the country.
