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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi police to ensure there is no sale of Chinese manjha in the national capital during the forthcoming Independence Day period, a "kite-flying season".

Justice Prathiba M Singh noted that the Delhi police has taken several steps to stop the sale of Chinese manjha and even registered 284 cases from February 16 to August 3 in an effort check the menace.

The court also noted that 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, pointed out the judge. 

"Accordingly, it is directed that Delhi Police shall continue to take steps to restrain the sale of Chinese manjha in Delhi even during the forthcoming Independence Day period, which is the kite-flying season," said the court in its order dated August 8.

The court further directed the Delhi Police to file a fresh status report before the next date of hearing, i.e. October 5.

The court was dealing with a batch of petitions highlighting the deaths caused allegedly due to slitting of throats by kite flying thread made of polyester, nylon, plastic or any other synthetic material etc., also known colloquially as Chinese Manjha, which was being used for flying kites in the city of Delhi.

On the prayer of compensation, the court said, “Let these writ petitions be communicated to the Delhi Legal Services Authority who can place a report on record as to whether victims of Chinese manjha injury are entitled to any compensation under the scheme which is being implemented by the said Authority. Mr. Aggarwal, ld. ASC may obtain instructions from the Secretary, DLSA and file a report to this effect. Let the said report be filed within eight weeks”.

Case Title: Ishwar Singh Dahiya v. State of NCT Delhi and Ors. (a batch of petitions)