Delhi High Court mandates 90-day advance notice for Ramlila grounds allotment

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to establish a comprehensive framework governing the allocation of the city's Ramlila grounds, requiring that public notices be issued at least 90 days before any allotment decisions are finalized. This directive represents a significant move toward ensuring transparency and equity in the allocation process for the culturally significant venue.

According to the court's orders, authorities must frame detailed annual allotment guidelines that establish clear criteria for evaluating competing applications. The requirement for advance public notice is intended to provide sufficient time for interested parties to submit their proposals and allows for proper scrutiny of the allocation process.

The judgment underscores the judiciary's concerns regarding procedural fairness in the management of public grounds used for cultural and religious events. By mandating the publication of standardized guidelines and imposing the 90-day notice requirement, the court has sought to curtail arbitrary decision-making and introduce objectivity into the allotment mechanism.

The directive applies to all future allocations of the grounds, effectively establishing a binding protocol that authorities must follow. Legal experts view the ruling as a landmark decision that could set precedent for how other public venues in Delhi are managed and allocated.