High Court Seeks ‘Comprehensive Report’ From Delhi Police On Sale And Supply Of Banned Chinese Manjha In National Capital

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Delhi Police’s Crime Branch to submit a “comprehensive status report” after investigating the manufacturers and importers who are supplying the material for banned Chinese manjha to the traders. The banned material is used in the kite flying.

Justice Prathiba M Singh also sought details of all the markets where Chinese manjha is being sold and asked whether the shopkeepers are being regularly made aware about the ban on sale of such products.

The court also sought status of FIRs registered across the national capital in respect of sale of Chinese manjha and asked whether shopkeepers have been arrayed as an accused in them or not.

It added that the report must also indicate if any proceedings have been initiated against public, including Tehsildars and SDMs, who are duty bound to implement the orders banning sale and manufacturing of Chinese manjha.

“Let the compliance of the directions be carried within six weeks,” the court said while listing the matter on April 12.

A notification was issued by Delhi Government on January 10, 2017, imposing a complete ban on sale, production, storage, supply, import and use of kite flying thread made out of nylon, plastic or Chinese manja.

Thereafter, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed an order on August 10, 2020, prescribing similar prohibition on use of nylon or synthetic thread material for kite flying.

Justice Singh directed the Delhi Government to once again alert the Delhi Police, SDMs, DMs, Tehsildars and other officials regarding ban on Chinese manjha.

It also directed the authorities to conduct proper visits in markets and to issue “stern warning” to the traders stating that strict action will be taken against them if the banned material is found to be sold in their outlets.

The court also directed Delhi Police to examine feasibility of issuing an advisory on the use of “plastic guard” in bikes to render protection to the riders against Chinese Manjha.

Justice Singh was hearing a bunch of pleas highlighting the menace of manufacturing and sale Chinese manjha for kite flying in Delhi.

The petitions were filed by kin who lost their family members after being injured due to use of such material. The petitioners sought compensation from Delhi Government and also strict compliance of advisories and directions.

The court directed the government to file a further affidavit regarding grant of compensation to petitioners, observing that the “death of innocent persons” due to Chinese manjha should be considered as dereliction of duty.

In August, 2022, the high court had disposed of a public interest litigation seeking a complete ban on flying of kites as well as manufacturing, sale and storage of objects used in it. A division bench had directed the Delhi Government to ensure strict compliance of the orders passed by it as well as NGT banning sale of Chinese synthetic manjha.

Title: ISHWAR SINGH DAHIYA v. STATE OF NCT DELHI AND ORS and other connected matters