Taking suo motu cognisance of a video released by cricketer Virat Kohli highlighting the shortage of playgrounds for children, the Uttarakhand High Court sought responses from the state and central governments within a two-week timeframe.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal has issued notices to key officials, including the sports secretary of Uttarakhand, the urban development secretary, and the youth affairs and sports secretary of the Government of India, among others.
The court is inquiring about the government’s implemented policies aimed at providing playgrounds for children. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for October 9.
In his video, Kohli engaged with children, shedding light on the stark realities within the realm of sports. The high court observed that many children have been deprived of access to playgrounds in several locations.
Additionally, the court took note of a letter from some children addressed to the chief justice, wherein they mentioned that while playing ‘gully’ (street) cricket, the lack of space disrupts both their game and the peace of residents. Emphasizing the essential role of playgrounds in the lives of children, the high court has urged the government to present its policy concerning the development of playing fields for children.
Furthermore, the court has inquired about the existence of any schemes under the Khelo India program aimed at constructing playgrounds for the physical growth and development of children.
The court underscored the importance of sports in enhancing physical fitness and highlighted the need for adequate infrastructure. It also expressed concerns about children spending excessive time on computers, mobile phones, and laptops, emphasizing that a lack of physical activity can lead to both physical and mental developmental deficiencies.
