Commercial Fairs Have No Place Inside School Grounds
- Dec 03, 2025
The Allahabad HC has found that educational institutions in UP cannot let their immovable properties and playgrounds be employed for any commercial activities like fairs, the sale of goods or exhibitions.
The Chief Justice bench, having Justice Kshitij Shailendra and Justice Arun Bhansali, advised the state government to publish a clear circular within a month, directing institutions at all stages to follow the court’s order.
The verdict came during a PIL hearing filed by Girja Shankar, who looked for an order leading state authorities to block a commercial mela being held in the areas of the government-aided Brahmanand Degree College in Hamirpur.
The request mentioned that the college, Jhansi, affiliated with Bundelkhand University, has been entertaining a commercial mela throughout its open ground at the instance of the principal since last year.
The court mentioned, “Educational institutions survive to contribute education, and their buildings and land, including playgrounds, cannot be used for any commercial activity, whether trade fairs, sales of goods or exhibitions”, after reviewing the case material and submissions.
“The infrastructure of educational institutions must be used strictly for educational purposes or related activities such as sports events, cultural programmes, inter-school competitions, and similar curricular activities organised by the institution, and for no other purpose”, the court mentioned.