When will you notify ban on 'Chinese manja': HC to AAP Govt

New Delhi, Aug 2: Voicing concern over use of 'Chinese manja' for flying kites in the city, Delhi High Court today asked the AAP government as to when it will issue the notification banning threads coated with powdered glass.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal wished to know the status of Delhi government's official order in view of the kite-flying festival celebrated in Delhi on August 15. "You (Delhi government) know the urgency, kites are flown on August 15.

You get instruction from authorities concerned by when the notification prepared by you and vetted by Delhi government's Law Department will be issued," the court said.

It further observed that in public interest it is asking the government to inform it as it has already drafted the notification for banning "Chinese manja" and allowing kite-flying with a "cotton thread". Chinese manja is a nylon thread coated with powdered glass.

The bench sought the status of the order after it was informed through the Delhi government's counsel that the notification has been sent to LG for his approval.

"That (notification) is waiting (LG's approval) and beyond that we (Delhi government) have no control," Delhi government's counsel submitted. Yesterday, the Delhi government has told the court that 'Chinese manja' would be banned soon as it is "conscious of injuries" caused by the kite-flying thread made of nylon.

The court was informed that the Delhi government was in process of issuing a notification for banning 'Chinese manja' and only allowing kite-flying with a cotton thread or natural fibre, "free from metallic or glass components".

PTI