Calcutta High Court: A Division Bench of Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan, CJ and Arijit Banerjee, J., directed the administration to strictly adhere by the notification issued by the West Bengal Government in compliance with National Green Tribunal’s complete ban on the use of Chinese/Nylon/Plastic manjha or thread for kite flying.
A Public Interest Litigation was filed with the grievance that kites are being flown with Chinese majha/Nylon Manjha, etc. which pose threat to the pedestrians and motorcyclists particularly who use flyovers for commuting.
Bench in the above issue called for reports from the Police Commissioner, Kolkata and also from the Commissioner, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal.
On perusal from the above-stated reports, it is clear that pursuant to an order passed by National Green Tribunal, a complete ban had been imposed on the use of Chinese/Nylon/Plastic manjha or thread for kite flying.
On 20th March, 2020 a notification was also issued by the Government of West Bengal invoking Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and in compliance with directions of NGT.
Hence, Court stated that notification issued by West Bengal Government shall be strictly adhered by the administration in full effect.
In view of the above, PIL was disposed of. [Karunamoyee Samanta v. State of W.B., 2020 SCC OnLine Cal 1083 , decided on 30-06-2020]