Taking a firm view against the use of nylon manja, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday made it unequivocally clear that public safety cannot be compromised for convenience or misplaced leniency. Observing that the banned kite string causes serious injuries every year and has led to multiple fatalities, the court stressed that the issue demands strict enforcement and accountability.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode said it was “extremely serious” about curbing the menace, noting that the sale and use of nylon manja warrant stringent and deterrent punishment. The judges underlined that deaths and grievous injuries resulting from a known and preventable hazard are unacceptable under any circumstances.
The observations were made while the court was hearing objections filed by city resident Mohammed Altaf Ahmed Khan against the penalties proposed earlier by the High Court. Khan argued that fines should be linked to the financial capacity of offenders, suggesting heavier penalties for large traders and lighter ones for small vendors. He also contended that parents should not be held responsible if minors are found flying kites with nylon manja, citing the practical difficulty of constant supervision.
Rejecting these arguments outright, the Bench questioned whether offenders should be spared despite full awareness of the dangers involved. “If timely and strict action is not taken, who will answer for the loss of lives and serious injuries?” the judges asked, describing the objections as lacking substance and seriousness.
The court cautioned that any dilution of accountability would only encourage violations, adding that the judiciary cannot remain a silent spectator to repeated incidents occurring every kite-flying season. The objections were dismissed, with the Bench sharply criticising attempts to weaken the proposed safeguards.
At the same time, the court granted a final opportunity for submitting genuine, constructive and meaningful objections, and posted the matter for further hearing on January 12. It orally observed that citizens approaching the court are expected to aid efforts to protect lives, not undermine them.
Proposed penalties under consideration
In its order dated December 24, 2025, the High Court had suggested the following penalties to curb the hazardous practice:
- ₹50,000 fine on parents if a minor is caught using nylon manja
- ₹50,000 fine on adult offenders
- ₹2.5 lakh fine on those selling nylon manja
District Collectors across Vidarbha have been directed to issue public notices inviting objections to these proposed measures.
Key observations of the court
- Kite flying occurs during a defined season, making parental supervision possible.
- All offenders are equal before the law, irrespective of social or financial status.
- The ongoing kite-flying season makes immediate action necessary in the interest of public safety.
- While the penalties are currently proposals, once finalised they will remain in force throughout the year.
Reiterating its resolve, the High Court said every death caused by nylon manja is entirely preventable, and made it clear that excuses, sympathy pleas or half-hearted objections will not be allowed to weaken efforts to eliminate this deadly threat.
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