PA passes Kite Flying Bill 2025 with tough penalties

Use of manjha banned; violators to face up to seven years in jail, fines up to Rs5m

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025 with a majority vote, introducing stringent punishments and heavy fines to regulate kite flying across the province in a bid to safeguard human life and property.

The new legislation imposes a complete ban on the use of metallic wire, nylon string, and chemically or glass-coated kite strings, commonly known as manjha, which have been blamed for numerous fatal accidents in the past.

The law also prescribes strict penalties for flying, manufacturing, storing, or selling kites and prohibited strings without official permission.

Under the bill, individuals found violating government regulations related to kite flying may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both.

Those involved in the manufacture, storage, or sale of kites and banned strings could be punished with five to seven years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs5 million, or both.

The offence has been declared non-bailable and cognizable, empowering law enforcement agencies to arrest suspects without a warrant.

Police officers of the rank of sub-inspector and above have been authorised to conduct searches and seize prohibited materials.

The government may also extend arrest and search powers to other departments through notification.

Special provisions have been included for cases involving minors.

Proceedings against children will be conducted under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018. If a fine imposed on a minor is not paid, the amount may be recovered from parents or legal guardians as recoverable government dues.

The law grants Deputy Commissioners the authority to allow conditional kite flying on specific days and at designated locations, subject to strict safety measures.

During such permitted activities, safety arrangements for motorcyclists will be mandatory to prevent injuries caused by kite strings.

Registration has been made compulsory for the manufacture and sale of permitted kites and cotton strings.

Selling kites or permitted materials without registration may result in one to five years' imprisonment or a fine.

The bill also provides a formal mechanism for the registration of kite flying associations, with Deputy Commissioners empowered to cancel registrations in case of violations.

A right of appeal has been provided at multiple levels, including the Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, and Commissioner.

Additionally, the legislation includes a provision to reward informers with up to Rs5,000 for reporting violations of the law.