LAHORE: The Punjab government today explained that children found guilty of violating the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 will be tried under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018. According to officials, fines will be recovered from the parents of the children violating the kite flying ordinance.
Authorities confirmed that courts will handle such cases under the existing juvenile legal framework. If a child commits or abets kite flying in violation of the law, the ordinance directs law enforcement to proceed according to juvenile justice provisions rather than adult criminal procedures.
The ordinance imposes financial penalties to discourage repeated violations. Officials stated that a child found guilty will face a fine of Rs50,000 for the first offence. If the same child repeats the offence, the fine will increase to Rs100,000.
Furthermore, the government will recover the fine from parents or guardians if the child cannot pay. The ordinance specifies that authorities will treat the unpaid amount as arrears of land revenue, which allows officials to use legal recovery mechanisms.
Government Introduces Incentives for Public Reporting
In addition to penalties, the ordinance introduces incentives to encourage public cooperation. The law allows commissioners, on the recommendation of deputy commissioners, to approve cash rewards of up to Rs5,000 for whistle-blowers who provide credible information about violations. However, officials clarified that informants will not receive rewards if their information lacks value or if the administration already possesses the same details.
The ordinance broadly bans kite flying across Punjab. However, it also authorizes the government to permit regulated kite flying at designated locations and on specific days.
Moreover, the law establishes a registration system for manufacturers, traders, sellers, and kite flying associations involved in permissible activities.
Authorities have also empowered deputy commissioners to cancel registrations of individuals or associations that breach the ordinance, rules, or regulations. The government believes these measures will strengthen enforcement, improve public safety, and discourage dangerous practices linked to illegal kite flying.
