As the vibrant Uttarayan festival approaches, the Gujarat High Court has tightened the reins on kite-flying materials, issuing a sweeping ban on all glass-coated threads, including those made of cotton. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to safeguard human and avian lives from the sharp hazards posed by such materials.
In a definitive ruling, a bench led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, alongside Justice Pranav Trivedi, declared that no distinction could be drawn between synthetic and cotton threads when coated with glass. The court emphasized that these materials, regardless of their base composition, pose undeniable risks to the safety of people and birds.
The verdict stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging the enforcement of government circulars from January 2023 and December 2024. These directives had previously banned the use of kite threads made with harmful materials, including manjha, nylon, plastic-coated strings, and Chinese lanterns, particularly during the festive season.
Some traders attempted to argue that cotton-based, glass-coated threads were not explicitly mentioned in earlier orders and, therefore, should be exempt from the prohibition. The Court dismissed these claims, underscoring that the protective coating itself is inherently hazardous.
“It cannot be argued that glass-coated cotton threads are harmless. Such assertions lack merit and fail to align with the State’s intention of eliminating harmful kite-flying materials,” the bench noted.
The Court further clarified that the State’s December 24, 2024 resolution unequivocally bans all forms of glass-coated threads without making distinctions between synthetic and natural fiber bases. This comprehensive restriction is a step toward ensuring a safer celebration of Uttarayan, a festival cherished for its colorful skies and joyous community spirit.
The ruling reinforces Gujarat’s commitment to preventing injuries and fatalities linked to the festive practice, reflecting the Court’s resolve to prioritize life and safety over tradition-bound risks.
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