Leave alone hookah restaurants: HC to cops

HYDERABAD: The High Court on Monday told the police not to bother the hookah restaurants in the city. Justice PV Sanjay Kumar of the AP High court issued directions to the city police not to interfere with the business of hookah parlours after a writ petition was filed by Melange Enterprises, a coffee shop in Banjara Hills.  The petitioner had complained that the police intervention in their businesses was without the authority of law. The petitioner also contended that the law relating to prohibition of smoking was being followed and public places had been earmarked for smokers and non-smokers. They also contended that smoking of flavoured tobacco was less harmful than regular tobacco.