Delhi High Court Orders Transparent Annual Allocation Rules for Ramlila Grounds

The Delhi High Court directed authorities to frame transparent annual guidelines for allotting public grounds for Ramlila and similar cultural events.

Background and legal issue

A foundation challenged allocation of a ground to another organiser under a first-come-first-served policy. The dispute raised whether applicants with earlier access to information gained an unfair advantage in securing scarce public space.

Court's reasoning and legal position

Justice Amit Mahajan held that an apparently neutral queue can be constitutionally unreasonable where applicants lack equal notice. The Court called for public notices at least 90 days ahead, disclosed criteria, a comparative process and grievance mechanisms.

Operative effect and next step

The Court did not disturb the existing festival allotment but required future allocations to follow fairer published rules. Prior organisers cannot claim an automatic perpetual preference.