The Delhi High Court ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to create detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for booking Ramleela sites within five weeks. This directive aims to ensure a transparent, efficient, and fair process for all stakeholders. The court’s decision comes in response to petitions highlighting irregularities and lack of clarity in the current booking system.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to create comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for reserving Ramleela sites within five weeks of the order, but no later than June 25, 2024.
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, in a recent ruling, stated,
“The DDA must develop thorough SOPs/guidelines for the reservation of Ramleela Sites within five weeks of this order, with a deadline of 25.06.2024. If the DDA intends to rely on the Delhi Dharmik Mahasangh (DDM) or other third-party organizations’ lists for these reservations, the SOPs/guidelines should include appropriate clarification to inform all parties of this reliance. The DDA is responsible for publicizing these SOPs/guidelines.”
The court instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refrain from conducting any online or offline bookings for DDA grounds or open spaces for Ramleela functions until new standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines for booking Ramleela sites are published.
The court assured by the Counsel for Delhi Dharmik Mahasangh that the lists for the allocation of Ramleela sites for the year 2024 will be finalized by June 15, 2024. Acknowledging the delay in Ramleela site bookings, the court urged the DDA to strictly adhere to the timeline outlined in its order.
The Court observed that the Petitioner’s concern stemmed from discrepancies arising in the booking process for Ramleela Sites conducted by the DDA in May/June 2023. Despite bookings being accepted, the release of the DDM’s list in September 2023, prompted by a directive from the Lieutenant Governor of NCT of Delhi, caused confusion.
This delay resulted in instances where bookings were made, cancelled, and then re-made for the same Ramleela Site. Dissatisfied, the Petitioner approached the Court.
Additionally, the Court emphasized the necessity for the DDA to establish clear guidelines or a standard operating procedure (SOP) for these bookings, given the current requirement of third-party organization documents. This, it suggested, would prevent future occurrences similar to those experienced in 2023.
Considering that Ramleela events typically take place in October annually.
The new SOPs expected to outline clear criteria for eligibility, the application process, timelines for approvals, and the responsibilities of both the DDA and the organizing bodies. By ensuring a fair and systematic approach to the booking of Ramleela sites, the Delhi High Court seeks to preserve the integrity of this age-old tradition, promoting a balanced integration of cultural preservation and modern administrative practices.