Vijayawada: The high court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and the state govt to file counter affidavits explaining the measures taken to prevent the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to children.One K Neeladri Achal moved the high court seeking directions to the authorities concerned to ensure mandatory display of warning boards at liquor and tobacco shops informing the public that supplying or selling such products to children is a criminal offence.Arguing on behalf of the petitioner, Thandava Yogesh said statutory provisions mandate installation of warning boards at liquor and tobacco outlets stating that sale of alcohol and tobacco products to children is a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2016. He said the boards should also mention that violators are liable for imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of ₹1 lakh.Yogesh further argued that the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, prohibits sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions. He told the court that 35,449 cases relating to violations of tobacco sale regulations were registered during 2025-26. The counsel further contended that the high-power committee constituted to monitor implementation of the law had not met since Jan 2022 despite being required to hold periodic meetings.Considering the submissions, the HC bench headed by Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Challa Gunaranjan directed the respondents to file counters and adjourned the matter for further hearing.