HC orders ban on sale of manja for Makar Sankaranti

The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court ordered the authorities in the state to ensure there is no sale, manufacture or storing of the nylon thread -manja, which is used for flying kites, a sport played extensively during the Makar Sankranti festival. The HC further asked the authorities to create awareness against use of the manja.

A bench of Justices Sunil Shukre and Anil Pansare, was hearing a suo motu PIL of the adverse impact of manja on the birds and even sometimes on human beings as there have been numerous accidents due to it in the past.

The bench in it's orders passed on December 15, noted that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had passed a judgment in July 2017, imposing a complete ban on manufacture and sale of the manja made up of nylon or some other synthetic material.

"We think, the authorities have to be vigilant in enforcing the ban, especially during Makar Sankranti, when kite flying is at it’s peak," the bench said, while agreeing with the submissions made by amicus curiae (friend of court) Devendra Chauhan.

"Äll the state governments have been directed to ban the manufacture, store and use of manja or any other synthetic thread for kite flying," the judges noted, adding, "It is further seen that import of synthetic manja or nylon thread coated with synthetic material in any part of the country has been banned."

The bench ordered the authorities in Maharashtra to form special cells comprising responsible officers in association and coordination with the respective collectorates and heads of the police department.

"These cells will have to ensure that not only awareness is created about the dangers of manja but also for taking action against the violators.

The bench ordered form special to create awareness about dangers of manja and also to take action against violaters