Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) had approached the Lahore High Court against the ordinance, which allowed celebration of Basant festival.

Justice Malik Awais Khalid heard the petition filed by a citizen who challenged the ordinance related to kite flying. Advocate Azhar Siddique represented the petitioner, while Assistant Advocate General Anwar Hussain appeared for the Punjab government.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that an ordinance cannot be issued while the assembly is in session. He said that in the past, many lives were lost during Basant, and urged the court to strike down the ‘Basant Ordinance’. He requested that the ordinance be suspended until a final decision is made.

Justice Khalid remarked that public safety is extremely important. He noted that kite flying started in China around 2,500 years ago and is popular around the world, but safety measures are essential.

Read more: Punjab government confirms dates of Basant festival in Lahore

The petitioner’s lawyer responded that in China and Japan, the string used for kites is different and people do not chase kites, making it safer.

The court asked the government’s lawyer how safety would be regulated. Justice Khalid questioned why there was a hurry to hold Basant and asked who would be responsible if safety failed.

The government’s lawyer requested time to submit a detailed reply. The court granted time until 22 December and asked the government to submit its report with proper instructions. However, the request to immediately stop the kite-flying ordinance was rejected.

The hearing on the petition has now been adjourned until 22 December.

The court focused mainly on safety. It wants to see how the government will control risky activities. The issue is sensitive because people died in past festivals. The case will continue, and the next hearing may bring clearer answers.