Impose Rs 2.50 lakh fine on nylon manja sellers, Rs 50,000 on users: HC

 

Taking a tough stand against the continued use of dangerous nylon manja (kite string), the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has ordered strict penalties for both use and sale of the banned manja. Anyone caught using banned nylon manja will be fined Rs 50,000, while sellers will face a hefty fine of Rs 2.50 lakh. The court passed the order after noting that repeated directions over the year have failed to curb illegal sale and use of banned nylon manja, which has caused several serious injuries and deaths.

 

To ensure the message reaches everyone, the High Court has directed District Collector across Vidarbha, including Nagpur, to publish public notices in leading newspapers. The court, which has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and registered a public interest litigation, observed that despite a clear ban, nylon manja continues to flood markets every year. Earlier order issued since 2021 had little impact, with authorities often claiming action was being taken but showing few results. Against this backdrop, Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas decided a stronger approach was needed. 

 

 

The High Court made it clear that the fine will apply every time an offence is detected. Parents of minor caught using nylon manja also will be fined Rs 50,000. Seller will be fined Rs 2.50 lakh for each violation. District Collecto have been asked to publish this warning prominently on the front pages of newspape on December 27 and invite objections at the next hearing. The court clarified that the fine is not a one-time penalty and will be imposed for every offence. Money collected will be used to treat people injured in nylon manja accidents and to cover the cost of public awareness advertisements. 

 

 

The court also warned senior police officials that responsibility will be fixed if violations continue. If nylon manja is found or accidents occur in a particular area, the Deputy Commissioner of Police concerned will be held accountable and action will follow. The next hearing is scheduled for January 5.