Quick Summary: A court case involving two cultural groups, Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti (DDDRS) and Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti (SRDRS), over booking a venue for Ramlila performances at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The court ruled in favor of fairness, dismissing the appeals.
The argument began when both Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti and Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti wanted to book the same place for their Ramlila performances. The place they were interested in is an open space near Gate No. 2 Parking Area at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The dates for the event were from October 5 to October 27, 2023.
Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti said they have been organizing the event at this place regularly. They contacted the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on January 5, 2023, to book the place. However, they were told that bookings must be made online 120 days in advance. When they tried to book the place, they found Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti had already secured it.
"Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti had already booked the place for 43 days from September 18 to October 30, 2023, at a low fee."
Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti explained that they booked the place on June 19, 2023, expecting a high-profile guest. They later reduced their booking to 24 days and asked for a discount, which was approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The court, led by Mr. Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Mr. Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, found that the Sports Authority of India did not treat Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti fairly. The initial booking by Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti prevented Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti from having a fair chance to book the place.
"The actions of the officials of SAI do not show fairness towards Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti."
The court dismissed the appeals, stating that every action by the government must be fair and open. They upheld the previous decision, which directed Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti to pay the full rental charges without discounts.
