Disclaimer: This has been reported after the availability of the order of the Court and not on media reports so as to give an accurate report to our readers.
Chhattisgarh High Court: In a suo motu writ petition registered regarding deaths caused by Chinese synthetic thread (manjha), the Division Bench of Ramesh Sinha, CJ., and Bibhu Datta Guru*, J., disposed of the petition, holding that no further monitoring of the matter was required as the purpose of initiating the suo motu proceeding had been substantially achieved pursuant to the directions issued from time to time.
Background
The Court took cognizance based on a news report published on 20-01-2025 in the Haribhoomi Newspaper, Raipur, regarding the death of a 7-year-old child due to strangulation by a manjha. A similar incident was also reported in the Dainik Bhaskar, Bilaspur Aanchalik edition.
Considering the gravity of the issue, affidavits were sought from the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, and directions were issued to provide compensation to the victims or their families in cases of injury or death caused by the use of manjha.
The State informed that no further incidents occurred in Chhattisgarh and that the administration is closely monitoring the situation.
Decision
Before parting with the matter, the Court directed the State authorities to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not recur. The State Government shall ensure strict implementation of the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of manjha throughout Chhattisgarh. The authorities concerned shall also conduct regular checks and monitoring to prevent its circulation in the market.
The Court further directed that awareness campaigns should be undertaken through print, electronic, and social media to sensitize the general public regarding the dangers associated with the use of such hazardous material.
“The State is expected to remain vigilant and adopt all preventive steps to safeguard the lives and safety of its citizens.”
Thus, the Court held that no further monitoring of the matter was required at this stage as the purpose of initiating the suo motu proceeding had been substantially achieved pursuant to the directions issued from time to time.
Accordingly, the writ petition was disposed of.
[In the Matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State of Chhattisgarh, WPPIL No. 14 of 2025, decided on 03-11-2025]
*Order authored by: Justice Bibhu Datta Guru
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the respondents: Deputy Advocate General Shashank Thakur