Madras High Court today directed the Secretary, Home Department and Commissioner of Police to prevent the source of "Manja", a sharp kite string, instead of seizing and restricting it.
An affidavit was filed by the Home Secretary stating that the police authorities would be able to prosecute the people using Manja thread for flying kites with a fine of Rs 250 or punishment with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months or fine or with both.
He also submitted the first bench Comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T S Sivagnanam he had discussions with the Chennai Corporation Commissioner relating to the timing for kite flying, nature of threads to be used, earmarking of spaces and other restrictive measures that can be taken.
He further submitted that both the associations that manufacture kites have given an undertaking not to manufacture Manja threads.
The bench which recorded the affidavit after expressing satisfaction over the action taken by the authorities in its order said "We however feel that steps should be taken to prevent the sourcing of offending Manja, which will go a long way in preventing sales, rather than restricting or seizing when it is being sold."
The bench then said there is no need of passing any further directions in this regard and closed a PIL filed by one R Gobika seeking a direction to the authorities to preent using of manja in kites and take steps to identify and earmark open spaces and play grounds in all wards within the city.
