Court mandates state authorities to enforce stringent measures against the manufacture, sale, and use of hazardous kite strings.
In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court has issued directives to the Uttar Pradesh state authorities to establish a permanent and effective mechanism to enforce the ban on synthetic or Chinese manjha, a dangerous kite string that has been associated with numerous injuries and fatalities. The court emphasized the urgent need for stringent implementation of existing government orders and the creation of new legal provisions to ensure public safety.
The judgment, delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary, responded to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Moti Lal Yadav and others. The petitioners sought to enforce the ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of the hazardous kite string across Uttar Pradesh. Despite previous government orders prohibiting the use of such manjha, the court noted that incidents of injuries and deaths continue to occur due to inadequate enforcement.
The court's order highlighted the necessity for a sustained awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers posed by synthetic manjha, particularly to human beings and birds. It also called for accountability measures for those involved in the production and sale of the banned material, as well as for officials failing in their duty to enforce the ban.
In its detailed order, the court referenced previous judgments and government actions, including directives from the National Green Tribunal, emphasizing that mere issuance of orders is insufficient without proper implementation. The court warned that if the violations continue, it might consider ordering compensation for victims.
The judgment reflects the court's commitment to addressing environmental and public safety concerns, urging the state to take decisive action to prevent further casualties. The matter has been scheduled for further consideration on March 11, 2026, with expectations for a comprehensive update on the measures implemented by the state.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Effective implementation of ban on manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of synthetic/Chinese manjha (kite string) in Uttar Pradesh - Direction to State authorities to establish a permanent mechanism for prevention, awareness, and accountability to curb the practice and ensure safety of human beings and birds.
Statutory provision(s): Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
