New Chandigarh: Rajasthan Royals secured a victory on Wednesday to end the Punjab Kings’ recent winning streak, yet the match’s primary talking point centred on an off-field controversy involving Riyan Parag.

The Rajasthan captain has become the subject of intense social media scrutiny after a live television broadcast appeared to capture him vaping within the team’s dressing room during the contest.

The incident has placed Parag in a precarious position regarding both stadium protocols and national law. Standard regulations strictly forbid smoking within dressing rooms and general stadium grounds, limiting the activity to specifically marked zones.

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Legal Ramifications

Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019, India has implemented a comprehensive ban on the production, import, export, transport, sale, and advertisement of vapes and e-cigarettes. Legal experts note that violations of this statute can result in severe judicial penalties, including potential imprisonment and significant financial fines, elevating the matter beyond a simple breach of athletic conduct.

Statutory Framework

Enacted on September 18, 2019, the PECA was established as a comprehensive ban on electronic alternatives to traditional tobacco. A significant factor in the legislation’s design is that it specifically excludes products that are licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. Because vapes do not fall under that clinical exemption, they remain classified as illegal commodities within the country.

Neither the Rajasthan Royals management nor the league has issued an official statement regarding potential disciplinary measures as the footage continues to circulate.