Enforce ban on Chinese, glass-coated synthetic manja: Guj HC

The Gujarat High Court today directed the state government to strictly implement the ban on nylon threads, also known as Chinese manja, as well as glass- coated synthetic threads being used to fly kites during Makar- Sankranti, which will be celebrated tomorrow across the state.
The direction came from the division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi while hearing a set of two separate PILs filed in this regard by Siddhrajsinh Chudasama and Pankaj Buch.
In addition, the bench also asked the government to enforce the ban on sale and use of hot air balloons, also referred as Chinese lanterns, during the kite flying festival.

While passing the interim order, the bench agreed to the points raised by petitioners, who approached the court seeking directions to enforce the ban on these products, arguing that such threads are responsible for grave injuries and deaths of birds and humans.
In its interim order, the high court admitted that "use of nylon threads, which is called Chinese thread or Chinese manja, and other synthetic threads coated with glass and other such harmful substances in kite flying is dangerous and the same are not to be allowed in public interest".
The order further said, "State of Gujarat and its authorities shall take all possible steps to prohibit the use of Chinese lanterns during the festival of Uttarayana."

The court asked the government to strictly implement the ban, which is already in place and various authorities have been issuing notifications in this regard ahead of Uttarayana.

"Take all possible steps to prevent manufacture, storage and use of nylon threads (Chinese threads and Chinese manja) and any other synthetic threads coated with glass for the purpose of kite flying," said the order.
The high court noted that government has already issued instructions regarding the ban through a circular dated December 17, 2016.
In addition, Commissioners of Police, Superintendents of Police and District Magistrates of different districts have also been issued notifications in this regard.

"Take all possible steps to enforce such circulars and notifications strictly and scrupulously," said the order.
"Further State authorities are directed to take steps against the manufacturers/storekeepers and those stocking and selling nylon thread which is called as Chinese manja and other synthetic threads coated with glass and harmful substances for the purpose of kite flying," the order stated.