Madhya Pradesh High Court Rules Guardians Can Be Held Responsible for Minors Flying Kites with Chinese String

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that guardians can be held legally accountable if minors use banned Chinese string for kite flying. The court emphasised the need for strict enforcement of regulations to prevent accidents and deaths associated with this hazardous material.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore bench has instructed the state government to enforce the prohibition on Chinese manja strictly. The court highlighted that if a minor is caught using this banned kite string, their guardians could face legal consequences. This decision came from Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, who emphasised public awareness about the legal repercussions of selling or using Chinese manja.

During a recent hearing, the state government informed the court about ongoing efforts to halt the sale of Chinese manja. They are implementing various safety measures to prevent accidents related to this kite string. The government also plans to launch awareness campaigns in both print and electronic media to discourage its use and sale.

Legal Implications and Public Awareness

The court directed that anyone found selling or using Chinese manja could face prosecution under Section 1061 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, or Section 304-A of the IPC for causing death by negligence. The high court stressed that guardians of minors using this string could also be held accountable. These directives aim to curb the dangerous practice effectively.

Indore district magistrate Shivam Verma assured the court that necessary orders would be issued promptly. These orders will be circulated to neighbouring districts to ensure widespread compliance with the high court's directions. The administration is committed to taking swift action in line with these instructions.

Recent Incidents and Enforcement Measures

In recent months, two tragic incidents in Indore involved fatalities due to Chinese manja. A 16-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man lost their lives when their throats were allegedly cut by this sharp string. Despite its ban, kite flyers continue using it to gain an advantage over rivals during kite-flying competitions.

The high court took suo motu cognisance of these incidents on December 11, 2025. This proactive approach underscores the urgency of addressing the dangers posed by Chinese manja. The court's intervention aims to prevent further accidents and fatalities linked to this hazardous kite string.

Efforts are underway to ensure compliance with the ban on Chinese manja across Madhya Pradesh. By raising public awareness and enforcing legal measures, authorities hope to eliminate the risks associated with this dangerous practice. The focus remains on safeguarding lives and promoting safer alternatives for kite flying enthusiasts.

With inputs from PTI