Ban on Chinese ‘manjha’ upheld by Calcutta High Court, mandate it to be strictly followed [Read Order]

The Calcutta HC on Tuesday (30th June) upheld the state’s ban on the use of Chinese ‘manjha’ (a type of nylon thread coated with powdered glass used for flying kites), directing that the same should be strictly adhered to by the administration. 

This comes after the Central government blocking 59 Chinese mobile applications within the country.

The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Thottahil B. Radhakrishnan was hearing a PIL on the issue that the kites are being flown with Chinese/ Nylon manjha etc. which are a threat to pedestrians and motorcyclists specifically as they use flyovers for commuting. 

The Bench had asked Commissioner of Police, Kolkata and the Commissioner, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal for reports. On scrutiny of those reports, the Court noted that pursuant to an order passed by the National Green Tribunal, a complete ban had been imposed on the use of Chinese/ Nylon/ Plastic manjha or thread for kite flying.

The bench observed that a notification dated 20th March 2020 bearing No. EN/659/3C-05/2020 had been issued by the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal invoking Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and conforming with the directions of the National Green Tribunal. It added that the grievance/apprehension of the petitioner stands redressed. 

The Court directed that the State Government issued notice should be complied with strictly by the administration and given full effect. 

[Read Order]