Bombay High Court Orders State to Trace Nylon Manja Supply
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court mandates the state government to identify the source of banned nylon manja linked to injuries and fatalities.
Court directs authorities to trace the supply chain of nylon manja.
State government outlines measures to combat the illegal string's distribution.
Judges question the lack of action against nylon manja sales over five years.
In a significant ruling, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra state government to trace the origins of the banned nylon manja that has been linked to numerous injuries and fatalities in the region. The bench, comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas, emphasized the need for authorities to determine how this hazardous string is being transported to Nagpur, whether by rail, road, or courier services.
This directive arose during a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) prompted by alarming media reports detailing the dangers posed by nylon manja to both humans and animals in Vidarbha. The court had previously mandated the establishment of a robust mechanism to prevent the manufacture, sale, and use of this dangerous material. In response, the state government presented various initiatives, including the formation of special teams, area-specific surveillance, and enhanced coordination with the transport department and traffic police.
During the proceedings, it became apparent that the government lacked concrete information regarding the specific sources of nylon manja. Consequently, the judges ordered the authorities to investigate the supply chain thoroughly. Additionally, they requested a report on the quantities of nylon manja seized since the previous year, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the administrative authorities' efforts to curb the sale of nylon manja over the past five years. The judges raised a critical question about the financial responsibility for the medical treatment of individuals injured by the banned string, suggesting that costs should be recovered from the relevant officials. Furthermore, the bench instructed that the policy aimed at preventing the use of nylon manja be disseminated to officials across various departments to ensure comprehensive awareness and action.
As the case progresses, the court's directives underscore the pressing need for effective measures to combat the distribution of nylon manja, which poses a significant threat to public safety. The next steps will involve the state government reporting back on the tracing of the supply chain and the implementation of preventive measures, with further hearings anticipated in the coming weeks.
