Lahore : The Sessions Court in Lahore has turned down a lawyer’s request to celebrate the Basant festival on the court’s rooftop, citing security and safety concerns.

Lawyer Yaseen Butt had formally applied to hold the event at the Sessions Court, but Judge Tariq Khurshid Khawaja issued a written order rejecting the plea. The order stated that the court premises are a sensitive security zone and that the rooftop is not designed to host such activities. It further noted that allowing kite flying or related celebrations could endanger judges, staff, lawyers, and the public.

While the court rejected the proposal, the Lahore district administration has already approved Basant festivities across the city from February 6 to 8 under strict regulations. Authorities have divided Lahore into Red, Yellow, and Green zones to manage risks associated with kite flying.

Under the new rules, only registered kites and cotton strings will be permitted, while hazardous materials such as glass-coated, chemical, and metal strings remain banned. Each kite and string ball will carry a QR code for traceability. Surveillance will be carried out through drones, social media monitoring, and control rooms to ensure compliance.

Authorities have also announced strict action against illegal rooftop activities such as aerial firing and drinking. Motorcyclists will be required to wear helmets and install safety rods, with fines imposed for violations. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that one million motorbikes in Lahore will be fitted with safety rods free of cost.

The rejection of the rooftop request highlights the judiciary’s emphasis on maintaining security within court premises, even as the city prepares for the return of Basant under tightly enforced safety measures.