Uttarakhand High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of a video featuring Virat Kohli, where the issue of lack of space and opportunity for children to play outdoor sports was raised.
Uttarakhand High Court has issued notice to the Union of India, Youth Affairs, and Sports and State Governments to submit their responses. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal made this observation.
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In the video, Virat Kohli visits a locality and joins the local children for a game of cricket. During the game, one of the children hits the ball, which falls on the balcony of one of the flats in the area. The children become disappointed as they believe that they won’t be able to retrieve the ball. Kohli decides to take matters into his own hands and goes to the flat where the ball landed. He rings the bell, and a lady opens the door & she is surprised to see Kohli. Kohli requested her to return the Ball.
Kolhi tells her that during his childhood playing cricket in the locality was crucial in getting him to where he is today. He urges her to allow the children to play freely in the area.
After watching this video, the court shows interest in knowing how many playgrounds and open areas for kids. Court showed more importance to playgrounds for children; it helps develop children’s physical health and more.
Due to the lack of playgrounds, children cannot play freely in the open parks within their localities and colonies. This is mainly due to the inherent risk posed by sports such as cricket or football, which may cause balls to land on someone’s roof, damage lights, or hit cars and break windshields.
The Court noted that children have a fundamental right to enjoy their childhood and grow in the healthiest way.
If you do not allow children to play outside – children start spending time sitting at home watching television, computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
People who consider small children playing games in the area as a nuisance. To address concerns about children playing in the area, nets may be installed on play area boundaries.
Suo Moto PIL: In the matter of “Let The Children Play”
The matter will be next heard on October 9, 2023.
