The Delhi High Court has issued an order halting any further bookings, both online and offline, for Ramleela functions on Delhi Development Authority (DDA) grounds until new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or guidelines are established by the authority.

Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju has instructed the DDA to draft comprehensive SOPs within five weeks, with a deadline set for June 25.

Additionally, the court has mandated the DDA to publicize the new guidelines once they are formulated. The court's decision, responding to a petition by the Hanumant Dharmik Ramleela Committee, aims to address disputes regarding permissions for organizing Ramleela functions by establishing clear guidelines and SOPs.

Despite the DDA presenting its policy aimed at streamlining the temporary allotment of open spaces and community halls for various functions, the court observed that it failed to address certain crucial aspects, such as a "list" prepared by the Delhi Dharmik Mahasangh and compliance with orders from other authorities when booking Ramleela sites.

Emphasizing the necessity for clear guidelines to forestall future disputes, the court referred to issues that emerged in 2023 when bookings were contingent on documents submitted by a third-party organization. Acknowledging concerns about delays in Ramleela site bookings, the court has urged the DDA to strictly adhere to the outlined timeline.