'How Chinese Manjha Available In Market Despite State-Wide Ban?': Chhattisgarh HC Asks Govt Over Minor's Death

Taking a strict view over the availability of Chinese manjha in the state markets despite a state-wide ban, a bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal directed the state secretary to file an affidavit on the following issues:

• As to why, despite the notification issued by the Housing and Environment Department, the State of Chhattisgarh in 2017 to ban “Chinese Manjha” in the State, the same is being available in the market and it is sold by the persons and are being used to fly kites etc. by the persons in the State
• What action has been taken by the State in spite of ban
• Specify whether any compensation has been paid to the family members of 7 years old child who lost their son and a woman lawyer in Devendra Nagar and a young man in Budhapara also got seriously injured by Chinese manjha, and
• Report to this Court as to how many incidents taken place in the past.

The court registered the suo moto PIL on the basis of a news item published on 20.01.2025 in Haribhoomi Newspaper, Raipur, reporting about the death of the 7-year-old boy who died before he could be taken to the hospital.

As per the report, the child was riding on a moped along with his father when a sharp manjha came flying, and the same got entangled around his neck. The string tightened as the moped moved forward, cutting into his neck.

Seeing the blood-stained clothes of his child, the father stopped the moped and nearby people rushed to help, and after that, the child was rushed to the nearest hospital. However, he could not be treated there, and then he was transported to Ambedkar Hospital, where doctors immediately began treatment; however, despite their efforts, the child succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Considering the report and also taking note of the incidents involving a woman lawyer in Devendra Nagar and a young man in Budhapara, who also got seriously injured by the Chinese thread, the Court has called for a response from the state secretary.

The matter is listed next on January 29.