Our souls are stirred when we hold the end of a kite string and watch a beautiful colored kite rise and soar above the buffets of the wind. It reminds us that the sky is beautiful, the sun is shining, and life is good. What could be more innocuous than flying a kite?

The idea that flying kites could be illegal seems too ludicrous to be true.  Surely not, and where in the world could this law possibly be enacted?

Kite flying is illegal in India according to the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, which was amended in 2008. Section 11 allows for perpetrators to be imprisoned for two years, pay a fine of ten lakh rupees, or face prison and a fine. Kite flying is permissible if a license is obtained.

It seems unbelievable that such an innocent hobby could result in breaking the law, where the outcome could be a jail sentence. What could be the reasoning behind such a law, and is there any justification for this law? This article will examine some facts about Indian aviation law and explore possible reasons why the law has been upheld. What does the Indian Aircraft Act Of 1934 Say?

The Indian Aircraft Act of 1934 states in section 11 that “Whoever wilfully flies an aircraft in such a manner as to cause danger to any person or any property on land or water or in the air shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1 [two years, or with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees], or with both.” (The Aircraft Act, Section 11. Indian Legislative Government.) The act was upheld and amended in 2008 with an increase in the allowable jail time and the amount of the fine. Is A Kite Considered An Aircraft?

According to the Aircraft Act, an aircraft is any machine or device which is supported by atmospheric pressure. This includes fixed and free balloons, gliders, kites, airships, and flying machines. As difficult as it is to believe, a simple balloon and an innocent kite are regarded as aircraft and could land you with some unwanted and unexpected time in jail.