The Delhi High Court has recently issued a directive to the Delhi Police, instructing them to take steps to restrain the sale of prohibited Chinese ‘manjha’ within the national capital during the upcoming Independence Day.
This directive was pronounced during the course of proceedings where a group of petitions was being deliberated, all concerned with the menace posed by Chinese manjha used in kite flying.
Justice Prathiba Singh stated in an order, “It is directed that Delhi Police shall continue to take steps to restrain the sale of Chinese manjha in Delhi even during the forthcoming Independence Day period, which is the kite-flying season.”
The high court examined the status report detailing the initiatives undertaken by the Delhi Police to curtail the distribution of Chinese manjha within the territorial boundaries of the national capital.
The bench noted, “A perusal of the above would show that steps are being taken by the Delhi Police in order to stop the sale of Chinese manjha within the territory of Delhi. The Delhi Police has also interacted with the e-commerce websites and have sensitized them of the danger of selling Chinese manjha.”
The status report filed by the Delhi Police has further outlined the execution of awareness campaigns and the initiation of FIR, endeavors aimed at stemming the trade of Chinese manjha.
The high court then scheduled the next hearing for October 5, with a directive for the Delhi Police to provide an updated status report on the situation.
Furthermore, the Court addressed the petitions filed by the relatives of 4 motorcyclists who met their demise due to Chinese manjha. The petitioners sought compensation from the Delhi government and adherence to regulations and advisories disseminated by the authorities.
Justice Singh issued instructions for these petitions be communicated to the Delhi Legal Services Authority, which is tasked with presenting a formal report regarding the eligibility of Chinese manjha injury victims for compensation under the ongoing scheme managed by the aforementioned authority.
Furthermore, the bench directed the Additional Standing Counsel to communicate with the Secretary of DLSA, collate necessary information, and submit a report within an 8-week period.
Earlier in February 2023, Justice Singh directed the crime branch to investigate the 4 death cases that occured in August 2021, July and August 2022. The FIRs have already been registered.
Earlier, in February 2023, Justice Singh directed the crime branch to conduct investigations into 4 fatalities that occurred in August 2021, as well as in July and August 2022.
Relevant FIRs have already been registered.
The court directed, ” The crime branch of Delhi police shall investigate the case and file a comprehensive Status and an affidavit within six weeks. The status report shall contain information regarding the manufacturer/importers who are selling, markets where it is available, whether the shopkeepers arrayed as accused or not, the status of the FIR or any other FIR registered.”
In 2017, the Chinese manjha was banned by the government.
