Plea In Delhi HC Seeks Complete Ban On Kite Flying Citing Use Of 'Chinese Manjha'

The PIL stated that ban is the only solution to ensure safety and it is very difficult in some cases, to nab the culprit or to fix the responsibility in the wake of an accident due to the kite string.

Representative Image

New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL), moved in the Delhi High Court, flagging safety concerns over the alleged use of 'Chinese manjha' (kite string), sought a complete ban on kite flying and related activities, on Wednesday, news agency IANS reported.         

According to the report, the PIL, filed by advocate Sanser Pal Singh, said that the life and the safety of human beings and birds is being endangered due to kite flying in the national capital.

Expressing the concern, the PIL sought a complete ban on flying, making, sale and purchase, storage, and transportation of kites and objects used in making and flying kites.

The PIL further stated that the ban is the only solution to ensure safety and that it is very difficult and quite impossible in some cases, to nab the culprit or to fix the responsibility in the wake of an accident due to the kite string.

READ | ED Seals Young Indian Office At Herald House Building Amid Money Laundering Probe

According to the IANS report, the petition also contended that during the kite flying activity, competitors often engage in cutting each other's kite string, and therefore, in order to make the string tougher to break, people use a strong string, popularly known as Chinese manjha, in which manufacturers put a glass coating, that at times causes injury to humans and birds.

The petition also highlights that the activity of kite flying is already prohibited as per section 94 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978, where it is provided that, "Prohibition against flying kites, etc.- No person shall fly a kite or any other thing so as to cause danger, injury or alarm to persons, animals or property."

The petitioner further cited accidents, including fatal ones, caused due to the 'Chinese manjha'.