The Delhi high court on Wednesday asked the Delhi government not to take “coercive action” against tobacco sellers and manufacturers.

The court was hearing a bunch of pleas filed by tobacco manufacturers challenging the ban on sale of chewable tobacco in the national capital.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher granted protection to the manufacturers and sellers, on the basis of similar order passed by him earlier in few matters.

The Delhi government has banned all forms of chewable tobacco - including gutkha, khaini and zarda - in the national capital.

The government on March 25 issued a notification prohibiting manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any additive.

The pleas urged the court to quash the notification, saying the central government and not the state government has the power to regulate sale or ban it.