CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke thanks Delhi Ramlila organisers for 'free publicity' over cockroach effigy

During the recent Ramlila festivities in Pitampura, a large effigy of a cockroach was displayed as part of the stage design, drawing immediate attention from media outlets and social networks. The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which manages the event, explained that the insect symbolises filth and dirt, serving as a visual reminder of the need for hygiene. Organizers linked the display to the national Swachh Bharat mission and the local Swachh Delhi initiative, both of which aim to improve sanitation standards across the capital.

Chief Justice Abhijeet Dipke, presiding over the Punjab and Haryana High Court, issued a public statement praising the committee for the "free publicity" the effigy generated. He noted that the unexpected media coverage helped spread the message of cleanliness to a broader audience, reinforcing the objectives of the government’s sanitation drives. While acknowledging the artistic choice, Dipke cautioned that future cultural events should balance creative expression with sensitivity to public sentiment.

The episode has sparked debate among cultural commentators and civic activists. Some argue that using a cockroach as a symbol may be unsettling for families attending the religious performance, while others view it as an effective method to draw attention to public health concerns. The Delhi municipal corporation has indicated that it will monitor upcoming festivals for compliance with cleanliness guidelines, and may encourage similar symbolic gestures if they prove successful in raising awareness.