No mercy for nylon ‘manja’ sellers, Rs 2.5 lakh fine stays

 

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has reduced the fine for using deadly nylon ‘manja’ from Rs 50,000 to Rs 25,000. However, the heavy fine of Rs 2.5 lakh for selling nylon ‘manja’ will remain unchanged. The order was passed on Monday. The High Court has directed the District Collectors of Vidarbha to publish public notices in newspapers on January 13 and 14 to create awareness about the ban and fines. The matter will be heard next on Tuesday, January 20.

 

The court said that, the fine amount collected will be deposited in a special bank account of the District Collector. For this purpose, a three-member committee has been formed, which includes the District Collector, the High Court Registrar, and the Municipal Commissioner. The police and municipal corporations have been authorised to collect the fines. To make fine collection easier, the High Court has ordered District Collectors, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police in Vidarbha to create a QR code system for payment. Public notices about this system must also be published. If a person is unable to pay the fine immediately, they will be given 15 days’ time. After that, the amount will be recovered under land revenue laws.

 

The court also directed Superintendents of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Municipal Commissioners, and Chief Officers of municipal councils to create dedicated WhatsApp numbers for public complaints. During the hearing, the High Court observed that, no fine is greater than human life and stressed the need for strict action to prevent injuries and deaths caused by nylon ‘manja’. Advocate Ravi Sanyal appeared for the MPCB, while Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the NMC.

 

 

The court clarified that if nylon kite string is found with a minor, the parents will have to pay the fine. If it is found with an adult, the adult will be responsible. While the fine for users was reduced on parents’ request, the fine for sellers remains unchanged. The rule will apply throughout the year and not only during the Makar Sankranti festival. The court appealed to parents to educate children about the dangers of nylon kite string.

 

 

administration has been made responsible for collecting fines through a QR code linked to the District Collector’s special bank account. The High Court also directed the Police Commissioner to issue show-cause notices to Deputy Commissioners where accidents due to nylon ‘manja’ are reported.