New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday paused an order from the Allahabad High Court that had prohibited the use of a school playground in Uttar Pradesh’s Tundla for Ramlila festivities.

"The celebrations may continue, provided they do not disrupt the students or interfere with their sports activities," stated a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant.

This Bench, which also included Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and N. Kotiswar Singh, acknowledged the Ramlila Committee's claim that such events have been held at the playground for over a century.

During the proceedings, the apex court questioned the original petitioner about the sudden decision to approach the Allahabad Court, particularly why he hadn't raised concerns earlier, only after the festivities had commenced.

“What prompted you to go to court now? For the last 100 years, where have you been? You are neither a student nor a parent, right? You are not the property owner. Yet, you file a PIL. Why did you not approach the Court sooner?” it inquired.

By putting a hold on the Allahabad High Court's order, the Justice Kant-led Bench urged the court to find an alternative location for Ramlila celebrations, ensuring that the school playground remains available for student use.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter urgently on September 25, after the Ramlila Committee requested immediate attention. The special leave petition argued that the Allahabad High Court issued an ex parte order without giving the Committee a chance to present its case.

In its interim ruling earlier this week, a Bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra highlighted serious concerns regarding the management of the event in a government school.

The Allahabad High Court pointed out that the entire playground had been covered with cement interlocking tiles, permanently converting it into an event venue and denying school children a place to play.

“Additionally, the main entrance of the school has been transformed into a 'Sita Ram Gate,' with various swings added at the school’s entrance,” the Chief Justice Bhansali-led Bench noted.

The PIL raised alarms over the potential disruption of academic activities. “The teaching schedule would be severely impacted for over 18 days during which Ramlila would take place, as a massive stage and furniture have been set up within the school grounds,” the order indicated.

The Uttar Pradesh government, along with the Executive Officer of the Nagar Palika Parishad, submitted similar instructions stating that the interlocking tiles were installed due to waterlogging. However, when the Allahabad High Court inquired whether sports could still be conducted on the tiled surface, the response was a definitive “No.” The court further questioned the justification provided by officials regarding the event's century-long history.

“The justification for hosting Ramlila is based on the claim that it has been performed for over 100 years, and that it would occur from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., supposedly not affecting educational activities,” the Chief Justice Bhansali-led Bench remarked.

“From the provided instructions, it's unclear who is organizing the Ramlila and who granted permission for its conduct on school grounds… The intention seems to be to convert the school land into a permanent venue for such activities, which is not permissible,” the order continued.

The Allahabad High Court ruled against allowing the use of school premises for Ramlila, deeming it “ex facie illegal” for unidentified individuals or the purported Ramlila Committee to conduct activities there.

“The respondents (authorities) are prohibited from permitting the use of school premises for holding the 'Ramlila',” concluded the Chief Justice Bhansali-led Bench.