Basant back full throttle: kites, courts and controversy collide

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed petitioners to re-file their application challenging the Punjab government’s authority to grant police powers to raid private homes under the Kite Flying Act, now incorporating references to the newly enacted Kite Regulation Act 2025.

The petition, filed by Advocate Azhar Siddique on behalf of the Judicial Activism Panel (JAP), argues that Section 9 of the Kite Flying Act, which empowers law enforcement to enter private residences without prior permission, violates constitutional rights. The plea seeks a declaration from the court that the provision is null and void.

During proceedings, the court noted that the introduction of the Kite Regulation Act 2025 could have a bearing on the case and instructed the petitioners to submit an updated application reflecting the new law.

The matter comes amid renewed efforts to revive Basant in Lahore, a festival that has remained largely banned since 2007 following a series of fatal incidents linked to kite strings. The Punjab Police recently submitted a detailed security and safety plan to the LHC for the upcoming celebrations, dividing the city into red, yellow, and green zones based on risk levels, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on hazardous kite strings. Measures also include QR-coded registration for kites, drone surveillance, compulsory helmets in designated areas, and the deployment of emergency services.

In a separate but related petition, Siddique challenged the Deputy Commissioner’s notification allowing Basant kite-flying activities in early February, citing risks to public safety after recent injuries caused by kite strings. Both petitions are currently pending before the LHC, and experts suggest that the court could club the cases together for a consolidated hearing.

The Punjab government maintains that the festival will be held under strict supervision, with registration requirements for kite sellers and heavy penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 million. However, petitioners contend that granting police unchecked authority to enter homes is disproportionate and unconstitutional, raising broader concerns about civil liberties even as the festival is revived in a regulated manner.

The LHC is expected to review the updated filings and make a determination on the constitutionality of Section 9 in the coming weeks.