The decision came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)—a court case filed for the benefit of the general public—was brought before the court. The petitioner pointed out that a large Commercial Mela (a trade fair or exhibition) was being organized repeatedly on the playground of Brahmanand Degree College in District Hamirpur.
The main argument was simple: this college is an educational institution meant for teaching, and its grounds should not be rented out for business.
The Verdict:
The High Court agreed completely. The two-judge bench ruled that even if the fair at the specific college was temporary, the larger problem—educational land being used for profit—needed to be stopped permanently.
The Court made its position absolutely clear:
"Immovable properties belonging to educational institutions in the State of U.P., including their playgrounds... cannot be allowed to be used for any commercial activities under any name, like exhibitions, trade fairs or other kinds of fairs, or sale of one or the other articles and goods etc."
In simple terms, the judges said that educational spaces must be used only for education. They are not business centres, open-air markets, or rental venues for fairs.
The Court didn't just stop the fair at one college; it set a rule for the entire state.
The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh State Government to take immediate action. The government must:
- Issue a clear circular (order/notice) to the District Administration, Police, and all educational institutions.
- This circular must clearly state that no school or college property can be used for any commercial activity, in line with the court's ruling.
- This order must be implemented within one month.
This means that within the next few weeks, all district officers and educational heads in UP will receive an official, non-negotiable instruction to protect their campus lands.
Why This Matters
This judgment is a victory for the integrity of education. When playgrounds and open areas are taken over by commercial activities, students lose space for physical education, outdoor activities, and important functions. It also disrupts the academic environment, making it harder for students to focus and study.
Thanks to this ruling, students across Uttar Pradesh are now guaranteed that their playgrounds and learning spaces will be kept safe and dedicated entirely to their future.
(High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, PIL No. 542 of 2025, Girja Shankar vs. State of U.P. and 3 others, decided on October 14, 2025)