The Lahore High Court (LHC) has reserved its verdict on a petition requesting permission to celebrate the Basant festival across Punjab. The court is expected to announce its decision on Friday.
Justice Malik Awais Khalid heard the petition filed by Ms. Ashba Kamran regarding the celebration of Basant in cities across the province.
During the hearing, the Punjab Home Department submitted a report to the court explaining the government’s position and proposed safety arrangements for the festival.
According to the report, deputy commissioners may allow Basant celebrations on specific days after obtaining approval from the government.
The report also stated that the relevant deputy commissioner would be responsible for ensuring public safety before granting permission for the festival.
It further explained that the deputy commissioner would oversee the implementation of all safety measures required under the law and ensure that citizens follow them.
The report added that kite sellers and manufacturers would be required to register with the authorities. It also emphasized that the use of metallic or other hazardous strings would remain completely banned.
In addition, authorities would ensure that motorcyclists use safety rods to prevent injuries during the kite-flying festivities, the report stated.
The report also mentioned that the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore had already allowed Basant celebrations after fulfilling all legal requirements and requested the court to dismiss the petition.
During Thursday’s hearing, the petitioner presented arguments regarding the legal status of her petition. She maintained that it was the government’s responsibility to facilitate Basant celebrations across Punjab. She also alleged that certain facts had been concealed in the response submitted by the home secretary.
The petitioner further told the court that initially only the deputy commissioner of Lahore had been instructed to consider Basant celebrations, while deputy commissioners in other districts had not been given any guidelines regarding the festival.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its judgment and is expected to announce its decision on Friday.