Overview
- The bench directed the state to file a fresh counter‑affidavit outlining concrete legal measures and a permanent, district‑level prevention mechanism.
- The judges said liability could also attach to officials who fail to prevent manufacture, sale or use of the hazardous string.
- State counsel cited new government orders issued on February 9 and 10, 2026, but the court said paperwork alone has not curbed the menace.
- On‑the‑ground reporting found continued availability, including on e‑commerce platforms, even as Lucknow police ran drives with drones, cranes and seizures.
- February’s toll in Lucknow includes one death of Mohammad Shoaib and about ten injuries, with police records reflecting only two FIRs and two arrests; the matter returns to court on March 11.