HC orders strict enforcement of Chinese manja ban in Madhya Pradesh

Selling or flying kites with Chinese manja can attract prosecution, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has warned

January 13, 2026

Using Or Selling Chinese Kite String Can Lead To Prosecution: HC

Guardians can be prosecuted if minors fly kites using banned string

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the state government to strictly enforce the ban on Chinese manja, warning that guardians could be held legally accountable if minors are found using the prohibited kite string.

A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi ordered the state to ensure wide public awareness that the sale or use of Chinese manja could attract prosecution under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with causing death by negligence. The court also clarified that parents or guardians would bear responsibility if a minor is caught flying a kite with the banned nylon thread.

The court took suo motu cognisance of multiple deaths and serious injuries caused by Chinese manja on December 11, 2025. During the hearing, the state government informed the bench that steps had been taken to curb the sale of the string and that awareness campaigns would be rolled out through print and electronic media. Indore District Magistrate Shivam Verma told the court that fresh orders would be issued immediately and circulated to neighbouring districts to ensure strict compliance.

Chinese manja, known for its razor-sharp nylon coating, remains banned but continues to be used by kite flyers despite repeated warnings. In the past six weeks alone, two people—a 16-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man—lost their lives in Indore after their throats were allegedly slit by the dangerous kite string, prompting the court’s strong intervention.

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