India: Film smoking ban challenged

The Delhi High Court has begun to hear a petition challenging a proposed Indian government ban on images of smoking in films and on television.

The petition, brought by film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, claims the move violates constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression.

The government says the ban is needed to curb tobacco take-up by youngsters and is supported by health activists.

The ban was to begin on Sunday but is now likely to be postponed to January.

About 800,000 Indians a year die from smoking-related diseases.