'Anyone Flying Kites With Nylon Manjha Will Pay ₹25K Fine; Parents Must Ensure Children Act Responsibly': Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court on Monday (January 12) made it clear that this year while celebrating 'Makar Sankranti' is found flying a kite using nylon manjha will have to cough up Rs 25,000 and ones selling this illegal item will have to pay Rs 2.5 lakhs.

A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode while the absence of proper regulation and Statute, there was a continued wide use of the manjha despite clear directions against it.

"Every year because of use of nylon manjha many people loose their lives or many get injured. Every year through newspapers and other modes, the consequences of use of such manja is being highlighted. Despite the same, there is no change in the situation which prompted this Court to adopt a different mode and thereby impose deterrent punishment by way of fine to be recovered from the individual, who fly the kite with nylon manjha or vendor, who sales such nylon manjha," the judges clarified.

The judges had on December 24, 2025 issued a direction to the authorities to issue a public notice spelling the suggestion of the High Court to impose a hefty fine of Rs 50 thousand on individuals and/or parents (of minors) flying kites using nylon manjha and Rs 2.5 lakhs on vendors. Based on the public notices and wide media coverage, the court received several suggestions, some seeking to increase the fine amounts while some urging to reduce the same. However, the judges noted that none suggested against the idea to impose fines.

"If any individual is found flying kite with nylon manjha he/she shall be liable to pay fine of Rs.25,000. In case of minor, the amount shall be recoverable from the parents of the minor. Similarly, in case if any vendor who is found with the stock of nylon manja, he/she shall be liable to pay fine of Rs.2,50,000," the judges ordered.

As regards the liability of the parents, the judges explained that it is the duty of the parents to teach their children about responsible behaviour and self control.

"It is the duty of the parents to teach their children about the responsible behaviour and self control, from which the children can learn about the consequences and taking responsibility of their own action, which would help discourage the inappropriate behaviour. It is the duty of the parents to make known to their child the consequences of his/ her action and to make aware the child what is good and what is bad for him/her and others. It is expected that the parents shall make aware their children about the serious consequences of use of nylon manjha," the judges opined.

Further, the bench ordered the Commissioner of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, District Collector and the Registrar (Administration) of the High Court to open an account under the title 'Public Welfare Fund' and circulate the said account's QR code to all districts and police authorities so that the amounts from defaulters can be directly collected in the said account. This amount, the bench made it clear, would be used for the purpose of treating those sustaining injuries due to nylon manjha.

"If the individual/parents of the minor is not in a position to pay the amount on the spot, the concerned officer shall issue a memo imposing such fine which would be recoverable as land revenue, if such person fails to deposit the amount of fine within 15 days in the above referred account. The concerned Revenue Officer on failure of the person, who is imposed with a fine, to deposit the amount in the account within 15 days shall initiate the proceeding for recovery of such fine as land revenue and recover such amount by following due process of law," the bench ordered.

Taking a step further, the judges ordered that if there is any untoward incident is reported, then the Commissioner or the Superintendent of Police will have to serve a notice against the jurisdictional Police Officer asking as to why action shall not be taken against him or her (Officer) for not performing the duties diligently in compliance with the orders of the High Court.

The matter is placed for further consideration on January 20.

Appearance:

Advocate N Jadhav is appointed as the Amicus Curiae to assist the Court

Additional Government Pleader SM Ukey represented the State.

Advocates JB Kasat, MI Dhatrak, SA Sahu, SS Sanyal and CB Dharmadhikari represented various authorities.

Case Title: Court On Its Own Motion vs State of Maharashtra (Suo Motu PIL 1 of 2021)

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