Continue Taking Steps To Restrain Sale Of Chinese Manjha During Independence Day Period: High Court To Delhi Police

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to continue taking steps to restrain the sale of banned Chinese manjha in the national capital during the Independence day season.

"It is directed that Delhi Police shall continue to take steps to restrain the sale of Chinese manjha in Delhi even during the forthcoming Independence Day period, which is the kite-flying season,” Justice Prathiba M Singh said in an order passed on August 08.

While hearing a bunch of pleas highlighting the menace of manufacturing and sale Chinese manjha for kite flying in Delhi, the court perused the status report filed by the Delhi Police indicating the steps taken to stop the sale of Chinese manjha in the national capital.

“A perusal of the above would show that steps are being taken by the Delhi Police in order to stop the sale of Chinese manjha within the territory of Delhi. The Delhi Police have also interacted with the e-commerce websites and have sensitised them of the danger of selling Chinese manjha,” the court recorded.

It further noted that awareness programs have also been conducted by the Delhi Police and FIRs have also been registered in order to curb the sale of Chinese manjha.

While listing the matter for hearing next on October 05, the court directed the Delhi Police to file a fresh status report before the next date.

The petitions have been filed by kin of those who lost their family members after being injured due to use of the banned material. They have sought compensation from Delhi Government and also strict compliance of advisories and directions.

Regarding the prayer of compensation, Justice Singh ordered that the petitions be communicated to the Delhi Legal Services Authority which can place on record a report as to the whether victims of Chinese manjha injury are entitled to any compensation under its scheme.

“Mr. Aggarwal, ld. ASC may obtain instructions from the Secretary, DLSA and file a report to this effect. Let the said report be filed within eight weeks,” the court said.

In August, 2022, a division bench 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.

The court 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

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 672

Click Here To Read Order