Basant 2027 celebrations challenged in LHC

The Lahore High Court (LHC) is set to hear a petition challenging the Punjab government’s decision to hold a 10-day Basant festival in 2027, with the petitioner urging authorities to limit the celebrations to a single day.

Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry will hear the petition filed by citizen Shahid Islam, which has been scheduled by the court’s registrar’s office.

The petition challenges the government’s announcement to celebrate Basant from January 29 to February 7, 2027, seeking to have the decision declared null and void.

The petitioner has raised concerns over public safety, arguing that kite-flying poses serious risks to human life. Referring to Basant celebrations in 2026, he claimed that 17 people lost their lives during the festivities.

According to the petition, the use of sharp kite strings can cause fatal throat injuries, while kite-flying activities may also lead to electrocution and deadly falls from rooftops.

The petitioner further argued that extending the celebrations over 10 days could increase the likelihood of accidents, noise pollution and environmental hazards, potentially infringing upon citizens’ fundamental rights.

The Punjab government, chief secretary, home secretary, deputy commissioner, inspector general of police and capital city police officer have been named as respondents in the case.

The petitioner has asked the court to strike down the government’s decision to hold the festival over 10 days and direct the authorities to restrict Basant celebrations to a single day.