Delhi High Court Orders Continued Crackdown On Sale Of 'Chinese Manjha' During Independence Day Season

Justice Prathiba M. Singh noted that steps had been taken by the Delhi Police in order to stop the sale of Chinese manjha within the territory of Delhi.

The case involved four deaths allegedly caused by the use of kite flying thread made of synthetic materials commonly known as "Chinese Manjha" in Delhi. Several directions were issued in previous court order dated February 10, 2023, and status reports have been filed by the Delhi Police. On February 10, the court had directed the crime branch of Delhi Police to investigate the manufacture, sale, purchase and storage of Chinese synthetic manjha', used for flying kites. It had said such dangerous threads are used by children and young adults for kite flying and it is the duty of authorities to ensure they are not made available.

Advocate Aman Rehaan Khan appeared for the Petitioners and Advocate Satyakam appeared for the Respondents.

The Court noted that the police have taken various actions to enforce the ban on the sale and use of Chinese Manjha, including meetings with wholesalers, e-commerce platforms, arrests, and awareness programs.

“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. Awareness programs have also been conducted by the Delhi Police and FIRs have also been registered, in an effort to curb the sale of Chinese manjha.”

The Court directed the Delhi Police to continue efforts to restrain the sale of Chinese Manjha during the upcoming Independence Day period and requested a further status report. Additionally, the Delhi Legal Services Authority was asked to provide a report on whether compensation was available for victims of Chinese Manjha injuries.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on October 5, 2023.

Cause Title: Ishwar Singh Dahiya v. State of NCT Delhi & Ors.

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