The Punjab authorities has tightened its crackdown on kite flying, declaring kite making, flying, and distribution as non-bailable offences.
The choice comes with amendments to the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Act 2007, which now imposes stricter penalties.
The new laws additionally criminalise the manufacturing, use, and distribution of metallic string, wire, and sharp-coated string, which are sometimes utilized in kite flying.
According to the amendments, people caught flying kites might face 3 to five years in jail or a positive of as much as Rs 2 million, or each.
Failure to pay the positive might end in a further yr of imprisonment.
Kite makers and transporters might face even harsher penalties, with 5 to 7 years in jail or a positive of as much as Rs 5 million, or each.
Failure to pay this positive might result in a further 2 years of imprisonment.
The regulation additionally outlines particular penalties for minors caught kite flying.
On the primary offence, they’ll obtain a warning; on the second, a positive of Rs 50,000; and on the third, a positive of Rs 100,000.
If the kid is unable to pay, the positive will likely be collected from their dad and mom or guardians.
A fourth offence will end in punishment beneath the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, which might embrace imprisonment.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department acknowledged that these measures are essential to stopping this harmful observe, which poses a severe risk to human lives.
The elevated penalties are anticipated to discourage people from taking part on this lethal exercise.