Kite flying has remained a legally regulated activity in Punjab since 2001, when the then Governor, Lt. General (R) Khalid Maqbool, promulgated the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2001. Since then, the legislation governing kite flying has undergone multiple changes.
On this Basant, FAFEN has traced the evolution of this legal framework that regulates this cultural activity.
The law currently in force is the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025, passed by the Provincial Assembly of Punjab on December 24, 2025. The Act was originally promulgated as an ordinance on December 1, 2025. It repealed the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2001, which remained in force until November last year with multiple amendments made to it in 2007, 2009 and as recently as 2025.
The 2001 ordinance imposed a general prohibition on kite flying. However, an amendment introduced through an ordinance in 2007 created space for seasonal permission for kite flying.
While the 2025 Act introduces several new provisions, its basic regulatory approach—prohibition by default with conditional permission—remains consistent with the framework introduced in 2001.
What does the 2025 Act say?
The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025 continues to treat kite flying as a prohibited activity by default, while creating a statutory framework for permissible kite flying. The Act authorizes Deputy Commissioners, with prior approval of the provincial government, to allow kite flying, as well as the manufacturing, storage, and sale of permissible kite-flying material, through notifications issued for specified periods, areas, and places.
Even where kite flying is allowed, the Act explicitly maintains a ban on metallic wire, nylon cord (tandi), sharp maanjha, and any other injurious or dangerous material.
The law introduces a mandatory registration regime for manufacturers, traders, and sellers dealing in permissible kite-flying material. Such entities are required to register with the concerned Deputy Commissioner and may deal only in prescribed materials.
Under the Act, Kite flying in violation of the law may result in imprisonment ranging from three to five years, or a fine of up to two million rupees, or both. Manufacturing, transporting, storing, or selling kites or prohibited kite-flying material may attract stricter punishment, including imprisonment of five to seven years or a fine of up to five million rupees. All offences under the Act are declared cognizable and non-bailable.
The law introduces explicit provisions dealing with children. Where a child contravenes the law, proceedings are to be conducted under the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018. For such violations, fines ranging from fifty thousand to one hundred thousand rupees may be imposed. Where a child is unable to pay the fine, the amount is recoverable from the parents or guardian as arrears of land revenue.
How is it different from the 2001 ordinance?
The 2025 Act deviates from the 2001 ordinance primarily on two counts: the structure and administration of permission for kite flying, and the severity of punishments. On most other aspects, the two statutes contain largely consistent provisions.
Under the 2001 ordinance as amended until January 2025, permission for kite flying was narrowly framed as a seasonal exemption. District Nazims could allow kite flying for up to fifteen days during the spring season, and the scope of discretion was restricted by time and season.
In contrast, the 2025 Act vests permitting authority in Deputy Commissioners, as the elected local governments remain missing in Punjab. The Act authorizes district administrations to determine when and where kite flying may take place.
Moreover, the 2025 Act also substantially increases penalties for violations and introduces minimum terms of imprisonment. Under 2001 ordinance, the offences were punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of three years and fine of up to 100,000 rupees.
While both laws share the same stated objective of protecting human life and property, the 2025 Act consolidates and expands administrative control over when and how kite flying may be allowed.
