The habits like smoking and drinking are personal choices of an individual, and banning them fully or partly is an encroachment on one’s personal freedom. So, it is not right to ban them.

How far do you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is a fact that habits are personal choices, and there are occasions in which governments are forced to ban practices like smoking and drinking. It is done mainly for the general well being of the community, and not to infringe upon one’s personal freedom.

There won’t be many who would appreciate the idea that banning smoking and drinking is not right. My personal position on this is that it is all right do so, and if one wants to pursue one’s personal habits, he or she has to do it in private. When a habit becomes so rampant that ordinary people happen to find their life miserable, they are forced to approach the governing authorities to safeguard their right for healthy life. Therefore, it is right to say banning drinking and smoking, partly or fully, is right, and it is more for the welfare of the larger majority than for the personal likes of a few.

Looking at the view that it is an encroachment on one’s personal freedom, I am of the opinion that personal freedom should not be at the expense of the freedom of others. A non-smoker or a non-alcoholic has all the right to live a life away from the hazards of tobacco and beverages. Moreover, the society is suffering from the ills of these habits, and the need to keep them in check is very important. This is more so when we find youngsters pick up these habits from those addicted to these. So, there is no question of encroachment or whatever.

Therefore, I find it right to endorse the idea fully, and banning a health hazard partly or fully for the well being of all cannot be called wrong. It is the right of the majority to lead a healthy life. Pursuing one’s personal freedom does not get one freedom to curtail another one’s well being.

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jaypees. 2 pm 26.6.09























The habits like smoking and drinking are personal choices of an individual, and banning them fully or partly is an encroachment on one’s personal freedom. So it is not right to ban them.

How far do you agree or disagree with this statement?