Punjab’s plan to restore the Basant festival after 18 years has triggered its first legal challenge. A petition has questioned the government’s decision to lift the ban through an ordinance instead of following the legislative route. Although the administration insists that the festival will remain strictly regulated, concerns about public safety have resurfaced.
Petition Filed Against the Revival Ordinance
A public interest group filed a petition before the Lahore High Court. The plea argued that the government issued the ordinance while the provincial assembly was in session. According to the petition, this step violated constitutional requirements. It claimed that the administration acted without any urgent circumstances that could justify bypassing the assembly.
Moreover, the petition highlighted past incidents where kite strings caused fatal injuries. It warned that kite flying could again become dangerous, despite new restrictions. The plea also recalled that the Supreme Court had previously ruled against the activity because of repeated loss of life.
Concerns Rooted in Past Tragedies
The petition reminded the court of earlier statements made by senior political leaders. Last year, the chief minister described kite flying as a “bloody sport” following a tragic death in Faisalabad. The petitioners argued that these incidents must guide current policy. Therefore, they urged the court to protect citizens by stopping the revival.
The plea requested the court to declare the ordinance invalid. It also asked for the cancellation of notifications that allow kite flying under the new rules.
Government Defends the Revival as Safe and Regulated
The Punjab government has defended the revival, stating that Basant will be safe under the new framework. Officials explained that the festival holds cultural significance. They also said that strict monitoring will prevent misuse of kite strings and protect the public.
The government imposed the original ban in 2007. The decision followed several deaths linked to sharp or metallic kite strings. Motorcyclists were especially at risk. Although Basant was celebrated widely, safety concerns eventually overshadowed its cultural value. The new ordinance aims to balance tradition with safety controls.
Strict Rules Introduced to Prevent Harm
Officials outlined several safety measures to reduce risks. They declared that hazardous kite strings can no longer be sold or used. According to them, the business of metallic or chemically coated strings has been eliminated. Anyone found using such material may face imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to two million rupees.
Additionally, penalties have been set to discourage violations by minors. The first offence will carry a fine of fifty thousand rupees. The second offence will lead to a one hundred thousand rupee penalty. The government stressed that these fines aim to encourage responsibility rather than punish children.
Mandatory Registration and QR-Coded String Rolls
To ensure better oversight, all manufacturers and sellers of kite strings must register with the relevant authorities. Every string roll must carry a QR code for identification. This system will help trace the source of illegal materials and prevent their circulation.
The administration believes that this structured approach will allow Basant to return without becoming a public hazard. They also stated that the festival’s revival aims to support local businesses while maintaining safety.
Safety Measures for Motorcyclists Strengthened
Authorities have also introduced tighter regulations to protect motorcyclists. Past incidents often involved sharp strings falling across roads and injuring riders. New traffic rules focus on preventing such hazards. Violators will face heavy fines. Repeated violations may even result in the auction of the vehicle.
Officials clarified that these steps focus on safety rather than punishment. They repeated that the state must protect lives and prevent avoidable accidents during the festival.
Measures for Minors and New Legislation Underway
The chief minister has also prohibited the handcuffing of minors. Underage offenders will only receive fines. They will not be arrested. The government is preparing new legislation to regulate underage motorcyclists as well. According to officials, this move will provide legal protection while improving road safety.
A Festival With Deep Cultural Roots Yet a Difficult History
Basant traditionally marked the arrival of spring. For decades, the skies across Punjab would fill with bright colours and kite battles. However, the rise of dangerous string materials changed the festival’s reputation. Over time, celebrations became linked with fatal injuries. Therefore, public pressure eventually led to the province-wide ban.
Despite the ban, the festival remains culturally significant. Local businesses related to kites, string, and hospitality experienced major losses. The current revival aims to restore cultural identity while prioritising safety.
Court Will Now Examine Constitutionality of the Ordinance
The key legal question now revolves around the government’s use of Article 128 of the Constitution. The petition argues that the ordinance was issued without valid grounds. It claims that emergency conditions did not exist. Therefore, the petitioners believe that the government misused the governor’s ordinance-making powers.
The court will review whether the revival process complied with constitutional safeguards. It will also examine whether the new rules sufficiently address public safety concerns.
