PIL reaches in Gujarat HC seeking restriction on kite flying during Uttarayan

Palak Sikarwar

A PIL reaches in the Gujarat High Court seeking direction on the prohibition on kite flying during the upcoming Makarsankranti or Uttarayan that falls around mid-January.

The next hearing is scheduled for January 8, 2021. Until then, the High Court has asked the government lawyer to take instructions from the government.

The PIL has been filed by Maulik Mankad, representing the Animal Welfare Foundation, Gandhinagar.

The Foundation, through PIL, seeks a complete ban on the gathering of more than 4 people at one place from January 9 to January 17, 2021.

It also seeks a ban on the sale of kites and threads as it results in large gatherings.

The PIL also pointed out that a lot of people celebrate Uttarayan with friends and family that can result in an outburst of coronavirus.

Therefore, it sought directions from HC to impose a ban on gatherings of more than 4 people at any place be it on terraces, footpaths, or streets.

The PIL also warned that a large number of people gather to buy glass coated threads from street vendors. These vendors could become super-spreaders of coronavirus in the present scenario.

It added that the unrestricted celebration will further add to the workload of medical and paramedical staff that has been working hard to battle with Covid-19 for the last 9 months.

Gujarat has already seen a huge spike in coronavirus cases post-Diwali which is now coming under control after a month. Celebrating Makarsankranti coupled with weekends will only make the scenario worse.

The High Court has sought a reply from the Gujarat government on the matter. The government has already canceled its annual International Kite Festival that is held every year during Uttarayan.

The high court has ordered to attach the PIL with the suo moto petition on COVID-19, which is scheduled for hearing on January 8, 2021.

Recently, Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance on sale of nylon threads ahead of Makar Sankranti.

 

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