Tobacco companies and retailers, in a lawsuit, have claimed that New York City’s anti-smoking signs showing a decaying tooth, affected lungs and a damaged brain breach cigarette vendors' right to free speech, and, therefore, have called for its eradication.

"The government may not force private parties to carry messages beyond purely uncontroversial factual statements that are designed to prevent consumer deception", claimed the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday and uncovered to reporters on Thursday.

However, City agencies have a belief that the anti-smoking campaign was indispensable and Mayor Michael Bloomberg has initiated many efforts, including imposition of ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, to make New York smoke-free.

The three dissimilar signs, made by the city's Health Department and required as of last December, show the adverse effects related to smoking on our body.

The images flaunt messages such as "smoking causes tooth decay" and list the helpline numbers in the city initiated in a view to extend assistance on how to quit.

New York cigarette sellers are reportedly facing a $2,000 penalty if they do not display at least one warning messages at the cash register or next to the cigarettes.

The lawsuit also posted that anti-smoking rules framed by the federal inhibit local governments from interfering with cigarette advertising.