The country's largest tobacco firm ITC on Friday said that it supported the government in enforcing the anti-tobacco legislation, which came into force from May 1.

"We are obviously going to comply with the legislation. There cannot be two views on that," ITC chairman Y C Deveshwar told PTI on Friday.

 With the coming into effect of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, not only smoking in public places is banned, but even promotion of cigarettes and tobacco products through advertisements and sponsorships are also prohibited.

The ITC Limited is believed to be the largest spender in tobacco advertisements and at one stage was the biggest event sponsoring tobacco company.

Giving a detailed reaction on the new legislation, an ITC spokesman said, "As a responsible company, ITC will fully conform with the legislation in letter and spirit."