Bombay HC Proposes Stringent Financial Penalties for Nylon Manja Use: Notice to Public Issued - 2025-12-24

Breaking the Cycle: Bombay High Court Moves to Impose Heavy Fines for Nylon Manja Use

In a decisive move to address the persistent menace of nylon manja (synthetic, glass-coated kite string), the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has signaled a paradigm shift in how it intends to enforce its long-standing ban on the dangerous material. Observing that years of judicial intervention since 2021 have failed to stop the rampant use of the material, the Court has now proposed significant financial penalties for users, parents, and vendors.

The Background of the Crisis

The matter, a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 1 of 2021 , stems from the alarming number of injuries and deaths caused by nylon manja across the state. Despite successive orders from the court and the removal of various online platforms facilitating these sales, the material remains a common sight, posing a severe threat to humans and avian life alike. The Court noted with frustration that authorities often claim compliance while the "ground reality" remains unchanged.

Proposed Accountabilities and Penalties

Justices Anil S. Kilor and Rajnish R. Vyas have outlined a stringent framework for accountability. Under the proposed measures, the Court is considering the following penalties:

• For Minor Users: Parents of minors found flying kites with nylon manja may be directed to deposit Rs. 50,000 with the Court.
• For Adult Users: Any adult found using the prohibited string faces a similar Rs. 50,000 deposit requirement.
• For Vendors: Retailers caught with stocks of the banned material face a Rs. 2,500,000 penalty for each instance of default.

The Court has directed District Collectors to publish these proposed actions on the front pages of leading newspapers by December 27, 2025, providing the public a final opportunity to present arguments before these measures are formalised.

Policing the Streets and Officers

The Court's scrutiny extends beyond the public to the authorities themselves. The Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police have been tasked with instructing their subordinates that failure to prevent incidents resulting from the use of nylon manja could lead to direct action against the "erring officers." This move aims to ensure that local zones and departments take proactive enforcement of the ban seriously.

Key Observations

The bench expressed deep concern regarding the blatant disregard for judicial instructions:

> "This Court, time and again, have passed various orders from 2021 to curb the use of nylon manja. However, no much change has occurred on the ground."

Addressing the root cause, the judges noted:

> "The root of this problem is flouting of instructions as regards ban of nylon manja, by the users of such nylon manja and the vendors who are selling it."

Regarding the necessity of the new, harsher approach, the court stated:

> "In the circumstances, we are of the opinion that such users and vendors shall be made accountable for such use of nylon manja and therefore... we want to give one opportunity to such users and vendors to make their submission, if any, before this Court."

What Lies Ahead

The Court has set the next date of hearing for January 5, 2026 . By mandating public notice, the judiciary is effectively putting the public on guard: failure to respond or appear by the next hearing will be interpreted as an acknowledgment that there is no objection to the proposed recovery of these heavy fines.

This development marks a significant turn in Indian environmental and safety jurisprudence, where the court is moving away from mere directive-based orders toward a model of strict civil liability to ensure public compliance.