Allahabad High Court Issues Stern Directive on Chinese Manjha Ban
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has voiced profound alarm over the escalating number of incidents resulting from the use of Chinese manjha, the sharp, often metal-coated kite strings that have caused severe injuries and fatalities across Uttar Pradesh. In a decisive move, the court has mandated state authorities to formulate and enforce rigorous regulations to immediately prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of this hazardous material.
Court Warns of Compensation for Victims if Incidents Persist
Expressing frustration with the recurring tragedies, the bench issued a stark warning: if incidents related to Chinese manjha do not cease, the court will be compelled to order compensation for victims in addition to covering their treatment costs. This stern stance underscores the judiciary's determination to hold the state accountable for public safety.
The bench, comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice AK Chaudhary, delivered this order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against Chinese manjha. They have scheduled the next hearing for March 11, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Second Bench Echoes Concerns, Consolidates PILs
In a parallel development, another bench led by Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh also expressed grave concern over the issue on Tuesday. This bench has consolidated an additional PIL on the same subject with the existing one, highlighting the widespread judicial attention and the critical nature of the problem.
Criticism of Government Inaction and Reactive Measures
The court had previously criticized the state government's response, particularly regarding a Government Order (GO) issued in February 2026. The bench asserted that merely issuing a GO is insufficient; it is imperative for state machinery to take proactive and strict action without waiting for new incidents to occur.
"It appears that only when such injuries or deaths take place due to the use of such manjha and these incidents hog the headlines in newspapers, state functionaries wake up and start taking some action," the bench remarked, pointing to a pattern of reactive rather than preventive governance.
This judicial intervention signals a push for more robust enforcement and accountability, aiming to curb the dangers posed by Chinese manjha and protect citizens from further harm.
