'Conduct Regular Checks, Sensitize Public': Chhattisgarh High Court Closes Suo Motu PIL For Implementation Of Chinese Manjha Ban
The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the State Government to ensure strict implementation of the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage and use of Chinese Manja (synthetic thread commonly used for flying kites, banned by the Chhattisgarh Government in February 2017), which recently cost the life of a seven year-old child.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru held,
“The State Government shall ensure strict implementation of the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of Chinese synthetic thread (manja) throughout the State. The concerned authorities shall also conduct regular checks and monitoring to prevent its circulation in the market. Further, awareness campaigns should be undertaken through print, electronic, and social media to sensitize the general public regarding the dangers associated with the use of such hazardous material. The State is expected to remain vigilant and adopt all preventive steps to safeguard the lives and safety of its citizens.”
The direction emanated from a suo-motu Public Interest Litigation, registered on the basis of news-reports highlighting the tragic death of the seven-year old child studying in second standard, who lost his life after a stray Chinese manja got entangled around his neck while he was riding on a motorcycle with his father. Despite the father's immediate efforts and swift help of bystanders— who arranged an ambulance, the child succumbed to his injuries.
During the course of the proceedings, the Court called for affidavits from the Chief Secretary, and subsequently issued directions of compensation to be paid.
Accordingly, the State initially granted Rs.50,000 as compensation, and later enhanced compensation to Rs.2,50,000 in addition to what was already paid.
The Court was also informed that the State fined a total of 53 shopkeepers who were found selling Chinese Manja in the State, out of which 48 shopkeepers had prosecutions filed against them under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (penalties for non-compliance of provisions of the Act). The Municipal bodies were also stated to have confiscated the Chinese Manja available at such shops.
As the Court was informed that no further incidents of Chinese Manja injuring people had occurred in the State, and that the administration was closely monitoring the situation, the Division Bench observed,
“… this Court finds that no further monitoring of the matter is required at this stage. The purpose of initiating this suo motu proceeding has been substantially achieved pursuant to the directions issued from time to time.”
The PIL petition was accordingly disposed of.
Case Details:
Case Number: WPPIL No. 14 of 2025
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