New York, Nov. 8 : A judge has snuffed out the plans by the federal authorities to slap graphic warnings slapped on all cigarette packages — for now.

U. S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Monday that a suit filed by several tobacco companies this year needs to be resolved before the federal rule could be enforced, The New York Daily News reported.

Four of the nation''s top five tobacco firms filed the suit in August to stop the Food and Drug Administration''s planned warnings, claiming they violate their right to free speech.

During a hearing in September, the Justice Department argued the images coupled with written warnings were designed to communicate the dangers to youngsters and adults.

The plaintiffs in the suit - R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Lorillard Tobacco Co., Commonwealth Brands Inc. and Liggett Group LLC. - argue that the FDA is forcing them to promote a government agenda.

The FDA has not commented on the judge''s ruling.

The last time cigarette packages underwent such a dramatic change was during the 1980s when small black-and-white text warnings were added. The first warnings appeared on cigarettes in 1965, simply noting, "Cigarettes may be hazardous to your health." (ANI)