Along with this, the apex court allowed the Ramlila festival, saying that there should be no inconvenience to the students. The court also asked strict questions and answers to the petitioner who filed the petition at the last moment and asked that the festival has been taking place on the same ground for 100 years, so why is its sleep broken now?
Justice Suryakant, who is presiding over the three -judge bench, asked the original petitioner who filed a PIL on the matter, “This festival has been happening for the last 100 years. Then why did you move the court in the last time now? Why did you not come first?”
A sharp debate between back and lawyer
On this, the lawyer of the original petitioner said that the Ramlila Co-staging is affecting the reading in the school. On this, Justice Kant again asked, “But you are neither a student, nor the guardian of the student nor the owner of the property … Then why did you file a PIL?” In response, the petitioner’s counsel said, “If all religious festivals are celebrated in the school playground, then children cannot even play … cement bricks are being laid.” On this, the Supreme Court asked where is the complaints of students or parents? And why already alternative arrangements were not made? Justice Suryakant is the future CJI of the country as the current CJI will take over after the current CJI Justice Gawai retires by the end of this year.
What did the High Court say?
Earlier, the Allahabad High Court found that the interlocking tiles of cement were being laid in the school playground to make it a permanent site for events like Ramlila. The High Court had also said that the main gate of the school has been changed to ‘Sita Ram Dwar’ and swing, which may affect studies and children may have to be deprived of the playground. Srinagar Ramlila Festival Committee had approached the Supreme Court against this order of the High Court.
What is the matter and condition in SC’s order?
Justice Suryakant, Justice Ujjwal Bhuyan and Justice N. A bench of Kotishwar Singh, while hearing the petition of Ramlila Organizing Committee on Thursday, stayed the stay order of the High Court. The SC said in its order, “Since the celebrations have started, para 11 of the High Court order is banned. The celebration will continue with the condition that children will continue playing or sports activities. We request the High Court to listen to the petitioner and all other persons.”
State officials had defended and argued that Ramlila has been organized there for the last 100 years and it takes place from seven to 10 pm every day. He also argued that the tiles were laid to deal with the problem of waterlogging. The High Court had barred the use of the school ground for the event, disagreeing on these arguments.