The Supreme Court of India has stayed the recent Allahabad High Court order that restrained the use of a school playground in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad for Ramlila festivities. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and N K Singh allowed the celebrations to continue this year, pointing out that the event has been organized at the same location for several decades. However, the court made it clear that children’s right to use the ground must not be hampered and directed that in the long term, authorities must look into alternative arrangements for hosting the cultural and religious event.

The order came after the event organisers challenged the High Court’s September 22 decision, which declared the use of school land for such functions “ex facie illegal.” The petitioners argued they were not made a party to the case and stressed that the Ramlila has been held at the same spot for nearly 100 years. Justice Surya Kant questioned the timing of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), asking why it was filed only after the celebrations had begun. The organisers maintained that no educational activities were being disrupted, while the court noted that neither parents nor students had raised any objections about the playground’s temporary use for the event.

The Supreme Court emphasized that its stay order does not decide the issue on merit but only prevents disruption of ongoing festivities. It asked the Allahabad High Court to conduct a full hearing with all stakeholders before taking a final view on whether the playground should continue to be used for such events. At the same time, the top court recommended that the state explore alternate venues for future Ramlila celebrations to ensure that children’s sporting and recreational rights are preserved. The ruling highlights the delicate balance courts seek between safeguarding community traditions and protecting the educational environment of students.