The Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur, on Monday, took a firm stance against the illegal use of Chinese synthetic kite strings commonly known as manja-after a seven-year-old boy tragically lost his life in Raipur earlier this year.
The division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, while disposing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL), directed the State to ensure a total ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of the dangerous thread across Chhattisgarh.
Background
The case began after Haribhoomi newspaper reported, on January 20, 2025, a heartbreaking story titled Gale me fasa dhaaga, khun se lathpath bachche ko le gaye aspatal, par bacha nahi paye. The report detailed how a child riding with his father was fatally injured when a kite string coated with metallic and glass particles-cut his throat. Another newspaper, Dainik Bhaskar, carried a similar report from Bilaspur.
Taking serious note of the incident, the High Court registered a suo motu PIL, treating the media reports as a matter of urgent public concern. It sought affidavits from the Chief Secretary and issued interim directions to compensate victims and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Court's Observations
During the proceedings, the State counsel informed the court that no fresh cases of injuries or deaths due to Chinese manja had been reported recently and that enforcement agencies were keeping a close watch. However, the bench emphasized that absence of incidents should not lead to complacency.
"The State must remain vigilant and adopt all preventive steps to safeguard the lives and safety of its citizens," the bench remarked. The judges underlined that awareness among the public was as critical as enforcement. "The State authorities shall conduct regular checks and monitoring to prevent its circulation in the market," the order stated, adding that awareness drives must be conducted through print, electronic, and social media platforms.
Decision
Satisfied with the progress made, the bench noted that the main objective of the suo motu action ensuring proactive government intervention had been achieved. The judges observed,
“Before parting with the matter, we direct the State authorities to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not recur in future.”
With that, the Public Interest Litigation was formally disposed of. The court directed that the file be consigned to the record room but left a clear message continued vigilance and enforcement against banned Chinese manja
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Based On News Item Published In Daily News Paper Haribhoomi v. State of Chhattisgarh and Ors
Case Number: WPPIL No. 14 of 2025