New Delhi, April 7 -- The Delhi High Court has stayed the operation of the upper age limit of 30 years prescribed by the National School of Drama (NSD) for admission to its three-year diploma course in dramatic arts, while permitting the petitioners to apply for the programme irrespective of their age.

The matter was heard by Justice Jasmeet Singh, who, after a preliminary hearing, observed that the fixation of an upper age limit for a talent-based field like acting appears prima facie arbitrary and violative of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.

Appearing for the petitioners, Advocate Vivek Gurnani challenged the admission notification issued by NSD, which prescribed a maximum age of ...