Kite-flying is part of our culture and heritage, can't pass orders banning it: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court recently observed that kite-flying is a part of our culture and heritage and that it cannot pass an order banning the practice [Sanser Pal Singh v Union of India and Ors]. .A Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, however, said that the use of Chinese manjha (synthetic thread) is a grave concern and therefore directed the State to ensure strict compliance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order and a Delhi government notification order banning the same..The Court was dealing with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition to impose a complete ban on kite-flying and use of Chinese manjha in the national capital. The petitioner stated that a large number of accidents are taking place in and around Delhi due to the use of Chinese manjha, which was also causing injuries to birds and animals.The plea by Advocate Sanser Pal Singh thus sought a blanket ban on kite-making, storage and its transportation along with all other materials used for flying kites..The Court was told by counsel appearing for the Central and state governments that a notification was issued in 2017 imposing a complete ban on the use of Chinese manjha and other similar material, and that a monitoring committee has also been constituted to look into the matter.It was also stated that the NGT had passed an order in September 2020 prohibiting the manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use of thread made of nylon or other synthetic, non-biodegradable material for kite-making.The police further stated that FIRs are being registered against people found to be violating the NGT order and the government notification..After hearing the parties, the Court disposed of the petition with a direction to the authorities to ensure strict compliance with both the NGT order and the notification..Sanser Pal Singh appeared in person.Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and Central Government Standing Counsel Anil Soni, along with Advocates Amit Gupta, Rishav Dubey, Sahaj Garg and Saurabh Tripathi, appeared for the Union of India.Additional Standing Counsel Sameer Vashisht and Advocate Sanjana Nangia appeared for the Delhi government.Standing Counsel Sanjay Lao along with Advocates Supriya Manan and Karan Jeet Rai Sharma appeared for the Delhi Police..[Read Order].Plea filed before Delhi High Court seeking complete ban on kite flying, Chinese manjha .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.