Delhi High Court: No ₹92 Lakh Fees for Ramlila Celebrations at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

• The Supreme Court has issued a notice to SAI over ₹92 lakh fees for using an open ground near JLN Stadium.
• Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti is challenging the imposition of charges exceeding ₹92 lakh for their 2023 Ramlila celebrations.
• The dispute revolves around the calculation of booking charges, with SAI demanding ₹2.25 lakh per day plus taxes.

The Supreme Court's ruling on this matter could set a precedent for future events and impact compliance with regulations governing public space bookings.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in response to a plea by Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti, challenging the imposition of ₹92 lakh in fees for using an open ground near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for their 2023 Ramlila celebrations. The dispute revolves around the calculation of booking charges, with SAI demanding ₹2.25 lakh per day plus taxes, instead of the approved rate of ₹1.5 lakh daily for bookings exceeding 15 days. This has left Shree Ram Samiti facing a hefty bill of ₹92.29 lakh.

The Supreme Court's intervention comes after a December 18, 2025 judgment by the Delhi High Court, which dismissed Shree Ram Samiti's appeal and upheld a single-judge's direction to recover the full booking charges from them. The dispute has its roots in the use of an open space near gate no 2 of JLN Stadium for Ramlila and Dussehra celebrations, with two registered societies - Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti and Dakshinii Delhi Dharmik Ramlila Samiti - vying for control. The Supreme Court's ruling on this matter could set a precedent for future events and impact compliance with regulations governing public space bookings.

The outcome of this case has significant implications for event organizers and the regulatory framework surrounding public space bookings. If the Supreme Court upholds SAI's demand, it could lead to a surge in fees for using public grounds, making it more expensive for organizations like Shree Ram Dharmik Ramlila Samiti to host events. Conversely, if the court rules in favor of the society, it would establish a precedent that could benefit future event organizers and promote compliance with regulations.

Lawyers representing Ramlila event organizers should watch for the Supreme Court's ruling on whether SAI can charge ₹92 lakh in fees for using a public ground, as this could set a precedent for future events and impact compliance with regulations governing public space bookings.

Source: Original reporting via [Source Not Specified]