guwahati police have asked district administrations to remove hoardings promoting tobacco products in the state strict action will be taken against those violating section 5 of the cigarette and other tobacco products act 2003 which bans direct or indirect advertisement of tobacco products in a letter the state cid has asked tobaccoproducing companies to remove the illegal advertisements within 15 days legal action shall be initiated as per the relevant provisions otherwise the letter said violation of section 5 of cotpa can lead to a penalty of rs 1000 andor imprisonment up to two years in case of firsttime violation or a fine of rs 5000 andor imprisonment up to five years in case of subsequent violation a copy of the letter has been sent to all sps and the igp bodoland territorial area districts according to the amendment rule of section 5 of cotpa tobacco products can be advertised on packets containing tobacco products on the entrance of and inside a warehouse storing tobacco products and at the point of sale tobacco product selling shop or distribution hoardings advertising tobacco products which are larger than the prescribed 60 cm x 45 cm at the point of sale and more than two boards at one point of sale are regarded as violation of the section besides illuminated or backlit boards at the point of sale open display of tobacco products by a shop owner for sale indirect or surrogate advertisement of tobacco production in any form such as in apparel sports gear accessories and others are not allowed