New Delhi, 14 November (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has refused permission to organise Chhath Puja at Chintoo Park in Naraina village, citing the need to protect public green spaces. The court observed that the fact that religious ceremonies had been held at the site for several years could not, by itself, justify the use of a public green area for such activities.

A Bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh dismissed a petition seeking permission to use approximately 1,000 square metres of the park for the Chhath Puja rituals, including the evening Arghya on November 15 and the morning Arghya at sunrise on November 16.

During the hearing, petitioner Lalit Anand submitted that Chhath Puja had been organised at the location for the past 23 years. He also assured the court that the park would be restored to its original condition after the celebrations.

Opposing the plea, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) submitted that the park had been developed and maintained as a green space, with trees and flowering plants. It argued that allowing the religious gathering could adversely affect the park's upkeep and maintenance.

The court observed that neither a longstanding tradition nor a request for the use of a limited area for a short duration could, on its own, justify the use of a public green space. It emphasised that the park was currently being maintained as a green area for the benefit of the general public.

The Bench also rejected the petitioner's reliance on an administrative document listing the venue for Chhath celebrations, observing that no administrative decision or notification could override or dilute directions previously issued by the court.

During the proceedings, the court took note of reports that the Delhi Government had already identified a designated location along the Munak Canal for Chhath Puja and made the necessary arrangements there.

In view of the availability of an alternative venue, the court held that there was no justification for permitting the use of Chintoo Park, which is being preserved as a public green space, and accordingly dismissed the petition.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar