Govt proposes harsher penalties for kite flying

The Punjab government has intensified its efforts to curb kite flying, making kite making, flying, and transportation non-bailable offenses under new amendments to the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Act 2007.

The stricter regulations, announced by a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, also criminalize the production, use, and distribution of metallic string, wire, and sharp-coated string commonly used in kite flying.

Under the amended law, individuals caught flying kites will now face 3 to 5 years in prison, a fine of Rs 2 million, or both.

Failure to pay the fine could result in an additional year of imprisonment. The penalties are even harsher for those involved in kite making and transportation, who will face 5 to 7 years in prison, a fine of Rs5 million, or both.

Non-payment of the fine could lead to an additional 2 years of imprisonment.

The amendments also introduce specific penalties for minors caught kite flying. For a first offense, minors will receive a warning; for a second, a fine of Rs50,000; and for a third, a fine of Rs 100,000. If the minor is unable to pay, the fine will be collected from their parents or guardians. A fourth offense will result in punishment under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, which includes imprisonment.

"These measures are crucial to preventing this dangerous practice, which poses a serious threat to human lives," said the spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department. "The increased penalties are expected to deter individuals from engaging in this deadly activity."

The amendments approved by the Provincial Cabinet will now be presented before the Punjab Assembly for approval.