Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to state government on plea challenging ban on sale of chewable tobacco in national capital.

The court has asked government not to take coercive action against sellers till the next hearing on May 20.

Delhi government on March 30, 2015 effected a ban on sale, purchase, storage and manufacturing of all forms of chewable tobacco including 'guktha' and pan masala containing tobacco. It had also decided to run campaigns on a large scale to educate the masses about the ban and harmful effect of chewable tobacco.

The court has asked government not to take coercive action against sellers till the next hearing on May 20.

"We have put a ban on purchase, sale, manufacturing and even storage of all forms of chewable tobacco from today in city. To implement the ban, several teams of Delhi Police, MCD, Food Adulteration will conduct suprise raids," Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said.

Jain had said that over 10,000 people die of Oral Cancer caused by tobacco every year and in the interest of public health, governmnet will not allow the sale, purchase and storage of gutka, pan masala, scented tobacco, kharra and similar products containing tobacco.