The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is preparing to bring a new law in the state to stop the manufacture, sale and use of dangerous Chinese manjha and glass-coated kite strings. During a hearing in the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court last week, the state government informed the court that a draft law is being prepared and may be named the Uttar Pradesh Lethal Manjha (Prohibition of Manufacture, Sale and Use) Act.
The government also said people affected in the Chinese manjha incidents would be given compensation. While many states, including Uttar Pradesh, already ban the sale of Chinese Manjha, those bans are implemented under government order. The UP govt is bringing a law to enforce the ban to make it more stringent.
High Court asks government to move faster
The matter came up before the division bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjeev Shukla. The court said the issue is directly connected with the right to life and made it clear that only files and paperwork would not solve the problem. The bench said action should also be visible on the ground.
After hearing the state’s response, the court directed authorities to speed up discussions on the proposed law and show concrete progress before the next hearing, which has been fixed for 13th July, 2026.
Yogi government plans strict ban on dangerous kite strings
The Yogi government told the court that the proposed law is aimed at imposing a complete ban on Chinese manjha and glass-coated strings. Though Chinese manjha is already banned in Uttar Pradesh, it is still being sold illegally in many places.
The government explained that traditional Indian kite strings are made from normal thread, while Chinese manjha is made using nylon mixed with metallic particles, glass and iron powder, making it sharper and stronger. Since it is nylon-based, it does not break easily during kite flying and can cause serious injuries, including throat cuts.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said on 5th February that deaths caused by Chinese manjha would now be treated as murder cases and action would be taken accordingly.
Home Department issues fresh orders
The state government informed the court that the Home Department issued a fresh government order on 9th February, regarding action against Chinese manjha. Following this, the Director General of Police issued instructions on 10th February for strict enforcement.
A high-level committee was later formed on 17th April to monitor the issue. The government said departments, including Home, State Tax, Industrial Development and Environment, are working together on the matter. Changes in the Police Act are also being considered, and a special enforcement drive has already been launched.
PIL filed in 2018 led to hearing
The case is linked to a public interest litigation filed in 2018 by Motilal Yadav and Rajjan Khan seeking a ban on Chinese manjha.
The High Court said regular efforts are needed to stop the illegal trade and also stressed the need to spread awareness among people about the risks linked to dangerous kite strings.
Pollution Board asked to explain the steps taken
The High Court also sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and asked it to submit an affidavit explaining what action it has taken regarding the issue.
The court further noted that every city has areas where kite flying is more common and suggested identifying such hotspot zones. It said these places should be put under special monitoring to control the sale and use of illegal manjha more effectively.
The next hearing will take place on 13th July. Senior officials from the Home Department, State Tax Department, Environment Department and the DGP office have been directed to join through video conferencing and place details of the action taken before the court.
