1 2025:CGHC:53555-DB NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPPIL No. 14 of 2025 In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Based On News Item Publised In Daily News Paper Haribhoomi, Raipur, Dated 20.01.2025, Namely, Gale Me Fasa Dhaga, Khun Se Lathpath Bachche Ko Le Gaye Aspatal, Par Bacha Nhi Paye, Chinese Manjhe Ne Bujha Diya Ghar Ka Chirag, Pita Ke Sath Garden Ja Rahe 7 Sale Ke Masum Ke Mouat. Petitioner(s) Versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Chief Secretary, Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar, Nawa Raipur Chhattisgarh. 2 - Secretary Chhattisgarh Culture Department, Mahanadi Bhawan Atal Nagar, Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh. 3 - Deputy Secretary Govt. Of Chhattisgarh, Awas Avam Pariyavaran Vibhag, Mahanadi Bhawan Atal Nagar, Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh. 4 - Collector Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh. 5 - Superintendent Of Police Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh. 6 - Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Respondent(s) (Cause-title taken from Case Information System) This is an office reference For Respondent(s) : Mr. Shashank Thakur, Dy. AG Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Hon’ble Shri Bibhu Datta Guru, Judge Order on Board Per Bibhu Datta Guru, J RAHUL JHA Digitally signed by RAHUL JHA Date: 2025.11.04 10:11:55 +0530 2 03/11/2025 1. This is an office reference. 2. The present Public Interest Litigation was registered suo motu on the basis of news items published on 20.01.2025 in the Haribhoomi Newspaper, Raipur edition, bearing the headline "चाइनीज मांझे ने बुझा दिया घर का चिचराग, दिता के साथ गा्ቑन जा रहे 7 साल के मासूम की मौत" and the sub-heading "गले में फं सा धागा, खून से लथथ ब्ሴे को ले गए अस्ताल, र बचा नहीं ाए". A similar news report was also published in the Dainik Bhaskar, Bilaspur Aanchalik edition, under the headline "चीनी मांझा ने ली मासूम की जान, दिता के साथ गा्ቑन जा रहे 7 साल के ब्ሴे का गला मांझा में फं सने से कटा". 3. Considering the gravity of the issue involved, affidavits were called for from the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh. Directions were also issued to provide compensation to the victims or their families in cases of injury or death caused by the use of Chinese thread (manja). The matter has been listed on the last two to three occasions only for monitoring the situation across the State of Chhattisgarh. 4. Learned counsel for the State has submitted before this Court that no further incidents have occurred in the State of Chhattisgarh and that the administration is closely monitoring the situation. 5. Before parting with the matter, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the State authorities to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not recur in future. The State Government shall 3 ensure strict implementation of the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of Chinese synthetic thread (manja) throughout the State. The concerned authorities shall also conduct regular checks and monitoring to prevent its circulation in the market. Further, 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. 6. In view of the above, this Court finds that no further monitoring of the matter is required at this stage. The purpose of initiating this suo motu proceeding has been substantially achieved pursuant to the directions issued from time to time. 7. Accordingly, this Writ Petition (PIL) stands disposed of, and the file is directed to be consigned to the record room. Sd/- Sd/- (Bibhu Datta Guru) (Ramesh Sinha) Judge Chief Justice Rahul/Gowri